Governor Uba Sani: ₦72,000 Minimum Wage Already in Effect in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government has announced that it has begun implementing the new national minimum wage, with the lowest-paid workers receiving a gross salary of ₦72,000 in November. This development challenges claims by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) that the state had defaulted on minimum wage payments.

Reports indicate that several states have agreed to pay above the ₦70,000 minimum wage, with Kaduna State setting its baseline at ₦72,000. However, despite this, the Kaduna State chapter of the NLC has confirmed its participation in the planned nationwide strike. State NLC Chairman Ayuba Suleiman stated, “Yes, we are set for the strike,” when asked about their readiness.

In response, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa, released a statement on Sunday, refuting the NLC’s allegations. He emphasized that the state government had fully complied with the National Minimum Wage Law. “His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, has adhered to the letter and spirit of the law by paying the lowest-paid civil servant ₦72,000 last month,” Musa asserted.

Musa explained that the NLC’s demand for consequential salary adjustments is separate from the minimum wage. He noted that while the state government receives an average monthly revenue of ₦12 billion—₦8 billion from federal allocations and ₦4 billion from internally generated revenue—expenses are high. The implementation of the new minimum wage has increased the monthly wage bill from ₦5.4 billion to ₦6.3 billion, with an additional ₦4 billion allocated for loan repayments, leaving only ₦2 billion for essential services like healthcare, education, and rural development.

“It would be unfair for the Kaduna State Government to spend almost all its revenue on consequential adjustments after paying the mandatory minimum wage,” Musa remarked, pointing out that only 84,827 civil servants, about 1% of the state’s population, would benefit from such adjustments, while over 10 million residents rely on the state’s resources.

He urged the NLC to remain patient, assuring that the government would address consequential adjustments when revenue improves. Musa highlighted the administration’s labor-friendly policies, including providing free transportation for civil servants as part of palliative measures to ease economic hardship.

“Governor Uba Sani has demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of workers and remains dedicated to improving their conditions,” he concluded.