Tensions rise as the NLC threatens a showdown in response to Gombe’s refusal to pay the N70,000 minimum wage.
On Wednesday, the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Yahaya stated that his state would be unable to meet the new minimum wage set at N70,000 which led Nigeria Labour Congress to threaten a confrontation.
On Monday, President Bola Tinubu put his signature on the newly passed minimum wage legislation that requires mandatory payment of N70,000.
During a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Gombe on Tuesday, the state’s governor stated that he is unable to meet the N70,000 minimum wage and believes several other states also face this challenge.
Our correspondent interviewed Ibrahim Fika, the NLC Secretary in Gombe State on Wednesday. According to him, the recent announcement made by the Governor of Gombe and current Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum is likely to reignite a fight from organized labor groups.
According to the NLC secretary, it was revealed that the governor had expressed his stance before them. They are now waiting for instructions from their national leaders regarding compensation arrangements and will commence with further actions thereafter since they acknowledge that after undergoing legislative scrutiny and gaining presidential endorsement, a new minimum wage has become legislation.
“We fail to comprehend why a governor would claim inability to meet the N70,000 minimum wage. It is expected of governors to pay beyond that amount, not less. By God’s grace, we will exert every effort possible to ensure Gombe benefits from this new minimum wage.”
