DUTSE – Jigawa State has raised the bar in workers’ welfare by approving an unprecedented minimum wage of ₦70,000, accompanied by a suite of unique benefits that set it apart as the most comprehensive and secure in Nigeria.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi, speaking at the signing ceremony in the Council Chambers of the Government House, highlighted the exceptional measures embedded in the agreement.
These safeguards, he explained, ensure that Jigawa’s civil servants not only earn a living wage but also enjoy a robust support system designed to cushion them against economic shocks.
“Though we have signed ₦70,000, by implication, what we have signed is more than ₦80,000,” the governor remarked. “This is because only in Jigawa State do civil servants have access to subsidized shops where essential commodities are available on credit. They also benefit from access to loans and farming opportunities, enabling them to grow their own food and weather market inflation.”
Governor Namadi underscored that Jigawa’s wage package is a true “living wage,” tailored to sustain workers and their families amid rising living costs.
He assured civil servants that the state’s commitment extends beyond financial remuneration, citing the full implementation of federal-level health workers’ benefits to attract and retain top talent in the healthcare sector.
The governor praised the negotiating committee, led by the Head of Civil Service, and the labour unions for their dedication and successful deliberations, calling on workers to reciprocate the government’s efforts with renewed dedication to their duties. “No state has it as good as Jigawa. To whom much is given, much is expected,” he stated.
Representing the organized labour unions, NLC Chairman Comrade Sanusi Alhassan Maigatari expressed profound gratitude to Governor Namadi for prioritizing workers’ welfare. He lauded key achievements under the current administration, including the recruitment of over 7,000 civil servants, a ₦5.4 billion injection into the contributory pension scheme, agricultural loans, subsidized food programs, and affordable housing initiatives.
The signing ceremony, attended by members of the state executive council, labour leaders, and civil society organizations, marked a milestone in labour relations in Nigeria.
The Head of Civil Service Malam Muhammad K. Dagaceri signed the agreement on behalf of the government, while the NLC, TUC, and JNC leadership signed for the workers.
Jigawa’s bold initiative is expected to set a benchmark for other states, reaffirming its position as a leader in progressive labour policies.
