Gov. Sule Clears Backlog of Promotions Ahead of Minimum Wage Payment

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has authorized the immediate implementation of all outstanding promotions for civil servants across the state. The announcement was made during a meeting with organized labor and its affiliates on Monday in Lafia.

This decision comes in response to requests from union leaders, who called for the implementation of outstanding promotions dating back to 2018 before the payment of the newly proposed minimum wage of ₦70,000.

Speaking at the meeting, Governor Sule revealed that the state government had finalized plans to begin implementing the new minimum wage in August, with payments covering three months of arrears.

“I have assured the people of the state that we will pay the new minimum wage once it is agreed upon and signed into law. We plan to work out a template to pay arrears for May, June, and July, with August marking the commencement of the new wage structure,” the governor stated.

Governor Sule also acknowledged the commitment he made to the union over two months ago to address the outstanding promotions. He directed the state’s Accountant General to begin implementing the promotions in August, with one month of arrears for July, as requested by the union.

Additionally, Governor Sule agreed to the establishment of a Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, which will begin work once the required template is received from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).

“The committee will wait for the template from the NSIWC before negotiations with the union commence, in line with your request,” he said.

In response, Ismaila Okoh, the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), expressed appreciation for the governor’s efforts on behalf of workers over the past five years. He also welcomed the governor’s intentions to implement the new minimum wage but emphasized that workers prefer their outstanding promotions be prioritized.

“Since we are still awaiting the template for the new minimum wage from the NSIWC, the implementation of outstanding promotions should come first, followed by the minimum wage once the template is available,” Okoh added.