Northwest Govrs’ Absence at Minimum Wage Public Hearing Raises Concern

North West governors were noticeably absent from the public hearing on the minimum wage held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano. Only the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, sent a representative, while the host governor was represented by his deputy, Abdulssalam Gwarzo.

Gwarzo, speaking at the opening ceremony, commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the committee to determine a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers. He assured that the state would implement the new minimum wage once it becomes effective, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the welfare of state civil servants, including the timely payment of salaries. He also mentioned recent efforts to alleviate the suffering of pensioners in the state.

The Katsina State Governor, represented by the Commissioner of Information, Dr Bala Zango, pledged the state government’s commitment to abide by the outcome of the meeting, stating that the government prioritizes the welfare of its workers. Zango highlighted the state’s recent payment of death benefits and refurbishing loans to workers, emphasizing the good working relationship between the government and workers in the state.

Dr Ahmed Rabiu, the chairman of the Northwest Public Hearing, urged all participants to share their views openly, drawing on their experiences to provide constructive suggestions. He emphasized the importance of these inputs in shaping policies that would benefit Nigerian citizens and contribute to the nation’s economic growth and social well-being.

In addition to the Northwest public hearing, the Tripartite Committee on the national minimum wage also began its public hearing in the North Central region earlier today.