The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Kebbi State chapter, has criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the party’s criticism of the state government’s implementation of the New Minimum Wage for workers.
In a statement signed by the state NLC Chairman, Murtala Usman, on Saturday, December 7, the union reaffirmed its core mandate to represent workers’ welfare and interests, not to serve as a government agent.
Usman acknowledged the importance of employees, describing them as the backbone of the state.
He said, “The welfare of local government employees is critical. These individuals form the backbone of our communities, and their well-being should be a shared priority.”
Commending the state Governor, Nasiru Idris, for the prompt implementation of the new minimum wage, Usman stated: “Governor Idris is one of the few governors to implement the new wage immediately, a move that has significantly improved the livelihoods of workers. This commitment also includes other initiatives aimed at enhancing working conditions and job satisfaction.”
The NLC urged the opposition party and relevant stakeholders to advocate for better conditions for local government workers, rather than criticize the efforts of the government.
“By working together, we can build on the progress made and continue to improve workers’ conditions for the benefit of the communities they serve,” he remarked.
It should be recalled that the PDP, on Friday, criticized the state government for allegedly underpaying local government workers, paying less than the agreed ₦75,000 wage.
According to the party’s spokesperson, Alhaji Sani Dododo, in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi, the PDP has been closely monitoring the implementation of the minimum wage since its official announcement in October 2024.
Dododo said, “Why should Kebbi have two versions of the minimum wage? One announced by the governor and another by local government managers?”
Criticizing the government for neglecting its promise to the workers, he concluded, “Despite the agreed minimum wage, the state is still paying less than ₦40,000 to staff on GL 3, 4, and 5.”
