Niger State Governor Bago pledges to implement a N70,000 minimum wage, outlining specific conditions that must be met for the plan to materialize.

The governor conveyed his administration’s dedication to enhancing the welfare of workers while addressing the quadrennial state delegate conference of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in Minna, held in 2024.

Bago stressed that when the national minimum wage is implemented, Niger State will promptly follow suit. “Minimum wage has been settled and we’re eagerly awaiting its rollout. As long as funds are accessible, our state will see to it that this policy is enforced,” he confirmed.

The governor emphasized his healthcare accomplishments, which consist of compensating health workers for their overdue salaries and the continuous refurbishing of 100 medical facilities to establish a better working environment.

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Additionally, he highlighted the consistent disbursement of counterpart funds and the formation of the Niger Ministry for Primary Healthcare Development as measures to safeguard healthcare personnel’s welfare.

He expressed his gratitude towards the union leaders for upholding a constructive working rapport with the state government and encouraged them to persist in their cooperation, taking into account the government’s endeavors aimed at enhancing worker well-being.

Acknowledging the difficulties faced by MHWUN, which include COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainties, healthcare demands and banditry impact; Chairman Abdullahi Erena delivered his address.

The union’s dedication towards providing crucial healthcare services has persisted despite the obstacles.

Furthermore, Kabir Sani, the national president of MHWUN implored for a nationwide protest against the latest increment in fuel prices and appealed to the government to retract it. He reiterated that his union completely supports any legal initiative taken by labor organizers towards easing Nigeria’s economic woes.

Idris Lafene, the Nigeria Labour Congress’ (NLC) Niger chairman, expressed similar views urging unions to unite and criticized the upward surge in fuel prices and electricity tariffs for exacerbating economic difficulties faced by workers nationwide.