In a significant move to improve the financial well-being of its civil servants, Kebbi State has recently increased the minimum wage to ₦75,000. Governor Nasir Idris signed this new wage structure into law on October 23, 2024, at a ceremony attended by Joe Ajero, the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and other key state officials in Birnin Kebbi. This increase marks a substantial effort to address the growing economic challenges faced by workers, particularly in light of rising inflation and increasing living costs across the country.
The decision to raise the minimum wage comes as part of the government's broader commitment to ensuring better living standards for its workforce. Governor Idris emphasized that the wage hike is not only a response to the economic struggles of civil servants but also a measure aimed at enhancing productivity and morale within the public sector. This new wage, significantly higher than the previous national minimum wage, positions Kebbi State as a leader in supporting worker welfare.
Financial Backing Through Supplementary Budget
To ensure the implementation of this wage increase without destabilizing the state's financial plans, the Kebbi State House of Assembly approved a supplementary budget of ₦53.5 billion. This additional funding allows the state to cover the costs associated with the new wage structure while maintaining its broader fiscal responsibilities. The supplementary budget brings the state's total budget for 2024 to ₦303.7 billion.
This financial commitment underscores the state's dedication to supporting its workers and balancing public sector expenditures. The House's ratification of this budget paves the way for the smooth roll-out of the wage increase, ensuring that civil servants across all sectors will benefit from the new policy.
Addressing Economic Pressures
The wage increase could not have come at a more crucial time. Across Nigeria, inflation has driven up the costs of essential goods and services, leaving many workers struggling to make ends meet. By boosting the minimum wage, Kebbi State aims to offer a buffer against these economic pressures. Governor Idris expressed optimism that this move will help to stabilize household incomes and reduce the financial strain on families across the state.
Moreover, this wage adjustment aligns Kebbi with other states that are also making efforts to increase workers' pay, further reflecting a growing nationwide trend towards addressing wage inadequacy in Nigeria.
Conclusion
Kebbi State’s approval of the ₦75,000 minimum wage marks a major milestone in its commitment to improving the livelihoods of its workers. With the backing of a well-planned supplementary budget, the state is well-positioned to implement this change effectively. As inflation continues to bite, the wage increase offers much-needed relief to civil servants, reaffirming the state’s leadership in worker welfare in Nigeria.
By taking this bold step, Kebbi joins the ranks of states leading the charge in responding to the economic realities faced by public workers, setting a precedent
for others to follow.
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