Gombe State’s Stance on Minimum Wage
Governor Muhammad Yahaya of Gombe State has declared the state’s inability to comply with the newly mandated N70,000 minimum wage. Governor Yahaya made this statement during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Gombe, where he expressed concerns over the financial viability of this new wage policy.
NLC’s Immediate Response
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reacted strongly to Governor Yahaya’s declaration. Ibrahim Fika, the NLC Secretary in Gombe State, criticised the governor’s stance, labelling it as a catalyst for renewed labour struggles. Fika emphasised that the law legally endorses the new minimum wage and insists it should be implemented without excuses.
Governor’s Position and Wider Implications
Governor Yahaya, who also chairs the Northern Governors’ Forum, suggested that other states might share Gombe’s predicament. He expressed doubts about the ability of many states to pay the new minimum wage, hinting at a broader issue that could affect multiple regions.
Labour’s Determination to Enforce Wage Law
The NLC is resolute in its demand for the implementation of the new wage law. Fika stated that the NLC is prepared to escalate the issue to the national level to ensure compliance. He stated, “We don’t see the reason why a governor will say he can’t afford to pay N70,000. We will do our possible best to see that Gombe enjoys the new minimum wage by God’s grace.”
Potential Statewide Labour Actions
The NLC’s stance indicates possible statewide protests and strikes if the Gombe State government fails to adhere to the new wage law. This potential conflict underscores the broader tension between state governments and labour unions over wage implementations.
Future Steps and National Impact
The situation in Gombe may set a precedent for other states facing similar financial challenges. The NLC gears up for a showdown, and labour unions and state governments across Nigeria will closely watch the resolution of this issue.
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