The Yobe State chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has called on Governor Mai Mala Buni to ensure the full implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage for local government workers across the state.
Speaking in Damaturu, NULGE Chairman Baba Shehu Mustapha highlighted that while 10 out of the state’s 17 local councils have the financial capacity to meet the new wage benchmark, the remaining seven have struggled due to low internally generated revenue (IGR). This accounts for 41% of the councils unable to meet the wage requirement set by President Bola Tinubu.
To address the disparity, NULGE has established a high-powered committee tasked with exploring strategies to boost revenue and ensure full compliance with the new wage structure. The union is also actively engaging with the state government and relevant stakeholders to find sustainable solutions.
Pensioners Demand Implementation of ₦32,000 Pension Increment
In a related development, Nigerian pensioners have appealed to the Federal Government to implement the ₦32,000 pension increment as stipulated in the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, 2024.
Speaking on behalf of retirees, Ethelbert Ibeh, spokesperson for the Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS), lamented the financial hardships pensioners face due to the rising cost of living. He urged the government to not only implement the increment but also settle outstanding pension arrears.
“The law mandates that pensions be adjusted in line with the minimum wage. However, despite soaring living expenses, many pensioners continue to receive meager payments that are insufficient to cover basic needs such as food, rent, and medical care,” Ibeh stated.
He further noted that retirees above 60 years are excluded from health insurance coverage, even though they require medical attention the most. The pensioners, therefore, urged the government to address these concerns promptly to improve their welfare.
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