By Aluta News
May 1, 2024
Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi, says the state government has set-up a committee to work out modalities for a payable and affordable minimum wage for workers in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor made the pronouncement while delivering a speech at 2024 May Day celebration in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.
”I have instructed the Head of Service (HoS) and Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to hold consultations with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to fashion out an affordable minimum wage that will put smile on the faces of workers.
”I intend to put Kebbi in the first category with the best welfare for the workforce,” he said.
Idris urged workers to rededicate themselves to hard work and uphold the existing harmony between workers and the state government.
He also announced that his administration would recruit 2,000 qualified teachers with requisite teaching qualification of National Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor of Education to teach in schools towards the attainment of quality education.
“I will also offer automatic employment to idigene students of Kebbi studying medicine within and outside the country.
”in addition, I will also make up for the shortfall in renumeration of doctors in our hospitals to stop them from leaving the service for greener pastures elsewhere,” he promised.
The governor commended the leadership of NLC for the conferment of special award in recognition of his contribution to the labour movement as a veteran unionist.
Earlier, the Chairman of NLC in the state, Alhaji Murtala Usman, appealed to the governor to fulfill his promise of being the first governor to implement the new minimum wage when approved by the Federal Government.
”We appeal to the governor to find lasting solution to the implementation of circulars and promotions approved by the governor to relevant ministries that are yet to implement, especially Ministries of Finance and Health,” he pleaded.
Usman requested the governor to place an order for the procurement of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and resuscitate the State Transport Authority.
The chairman commended Gov. Idris for working with both trade unions and workers, which according to him, culminated into government-labour harmonious relationship in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of 2024 May Day, ”People First” was carefully selected to show the importance and significance of the people.
NAN