Ajaero hails Gombe’s minimum wage lead – Nigerian NewsDirect – Latest News in Nigeria

…Says Inuwa Yahaya sets nat’l benchmark on workers’ welfare

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has described Gombe State’s labour policies under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya as a reference point for other states.

He cited the early approval and implementation of the new national minimum wage despite fiscal constraints.

Ajaero stated this when he led members of the National Executive Council of the NLC on a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Government House, Gombe.

The NLC President said that although organised labour does not ordinarily engage in praising governments, Gombe’s approach to workers’ welfare had stood out in a manner deserving recognition.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, on Saturday.

The statement reads partly: “Although the Nigeria Labour Congress does not ordinarily engage in praising governments, we have taken note of the approach of the Gombe State Government to workers’ welfare under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

The early approval and implementation of the ₦70,000 National Minimum Wage by Gombe State, even while negotiations were still ongoing nationwide, is significant, particularly in view of the prevailing fiscal constraints facing states.

We are also aware that Gombe went further to implement a ₦71,500 minimum wage, and available information indicates consistent payment of workers’ salaries.

This development serves as encouragement to organised labour and provides a clear reference point for other states, especially considering Gombe’s modest revenue profile.”

Ajaero further expressed optimism that outstanding issues surrounding the implementation of the new wage structure at the local government level would be resolved, enabling council workers to fully benefit from the salary adjustment.

Beyond labour matters, the NLC President acknowledged the state government’s broader development initiatives, particularly the establishment of the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, investments in power generation and the expansion of road networks within Gombe metropolis.

He described the development of key administrative zones in the state capital as strategic interventions capable of supporting long-term industrialisation and economic growth, noting that such initiatives could serve as models for other states.

Responding, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers and the overall wellbeing of residents of the state, describing engagement with organised labour as essential to effective governance.

The Governor said his administration is guided by principles of transparency, accountability and prudent resource management, stressing that government policies are designed to deliver tangible outcomes rather than publicity.

He emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between government, organised labour and civil society in resolving challenges, promoting mutual understanding and strengthening trust in governance.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also disclosed that the executive and legislative arms of government in the state maintain a close working relationship aimed at accelerating socio-economic and infrastructural development for shared prosperity.

He expressed appreciation to the NLC leadership for the visit, noting that the milestones recorded by his administration were products of discipline, consistency and long-term planning.

Earlier in the visit, Comrade Ajaero conducted an on-the-spot assessment of key projects, including the Mega School, Doma, and the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, where he expressed satisfaction with the quality and developmental potential of the facilities.