Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has confirmed that his administration is paying the new national minimum wage of ₦70,500 to civil servants in the state.
Speaking on Arise TV on Wednesday night, Governor Sule clarified that the ongoing labour dispute is not about the implementation of the new minimum wage but about a consequential adjustment for higher-earning workers. He explained that while the state has fulfilled its obligation to implement the minimum wage, the financial resources to meet labour’s demand for substantial increases for higher salary brackets are not available.
“The challenge we are having with labour in Nasarawa State is not about the minimum wage but about the consequential adjustment,” the governor said. “For instance, someone earning ₦30,000 as a minimum wage is now getting ₦70,500, an increment of ₦40,500. But workers earning far more are also expecting similar increases, which we cannot afford. For example, someone earning ₦800,000 is expecting an additional ₦800,000.”
The governor appealed for understanding from the striking workers, highlighting that Nasarawa State remains one of the few states consistently implementing promotions for civil servants.
“Since we came in, Nasarawa State has completed all promotions to date. Local government employees have received their promotions up to July, while state workers’ promotions are current as of December 20, 2023. We have paid and finalized these,” he stated.
Governor Sule reassured civil servants of his administration’s commitment to their welfare while emphasizing the state’s financial constraints in meeting the demands for consequential adjustments.
