Bago gives condition for minimum wage payment

Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger says his administration will not hesitate to implement the N70,000 minimum wage as far as resources were available.

He said this in an interview with newsmen after declaring open the 2024 quadrennial state delegate conference of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in Minna on Wednesday.

Bago, represented by his deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba, said that the state government was waiting for its implementation at the national level.

“The issue of minimum wage is a done deal, we are waiting for it as far as funds are available, we will not hesitate to ensure the implementation in the state,” he said.

He disclosed that back-log of salaries of health workers had been paid as well as the ongoing renovation of 100 healthcare facilities for conducive working environment.

He said that government had been consistent in the payment of counterpart funds, adding that the state Ministry for Primary Healthcare Development was created to cater for welfare of health workers.

Bago thanked the union leaders for the mutual relationship with the state government and appealed to them to look inward and continue to collaborate with the government.

According to him, workers have the right to agitate for their entitlements but they should also consider what the government is doing to ensure their welfare.

The governor advised the incoming executives of MHWUN to put aside their personal interest and prioritise members interest.

In his address, Abdullahi Erena, the state Chairman of MHWUN, said the conference was to elect new leadership that would pilot the affairs of the union for the next four year.

He said the union had faced challenges such as global pandemic, economic uncertainties, healthcare demands and banditry, but had reminded committed to provision of healthcare services.

In his remarks, Dr Kabir Sani, National President of MHWUN, called on Nigerians to condemn the recent increment in fuel pump price and called on government to revert it.

He said the union was committed to supporting any lawful action by the organised labour to save workers and Nigerians from the economic challenges.

Also, Malam Idris Lafene, Niger Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), called for unity among unions and condemned the recent increase in fuel pump price and electricity tariff.