Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has voiced out that his state cannot afford to pay the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage.
The governor, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), made this statement during a meeting with stakeholders on the planned nationwide #Endbadgovernance protest at the banquet hall of Gombe Government House on Tuesday.
Yahaya attributed his inability to pay the minimum wage to the lean allocation to the state. He said, “I cannot pay the N70,000 minimum wage, and I suspect many other states are in the same predicament.” This statement comes after President Bola Tinubu recently assented to the minimum wage following an agreement with joint labour unions.
However, the governor commended the Federal Government for its initiative to donate rice to states, expressing concern over the delay in receiving the supplies in Gombe. He stated, “We are yet to receive the Federal Government’s 20 trucks of rice to Gombe State.” This delay in receiving essential supplies adds to the strain on the state’s resources as it tries to meet the needs of its population amidst economic challenges.
Despite the challenges, Yahaya emphasized the state’s commitment to providing relief to its citizens, citing previous palliative distributions and ongoing investments in human capital development, education, health, and agriculture, among others. These efforts aim to alleviate the economic burden on the residents and promote sustainable development in the state.
The governor also addressed the planned protest, reiterating the importance of peaceful and orderly conduct. He acknowledged the role of civil society organizations, labour unions, and traders in maintaining social stability and economic resilience, calling for continued cooperation and dialogue to navigate these challenging times. Yahaya’s appeal for calm and cooperation highlights the delicate balance required to address the economic grievances while maintaining public order.
Presenting a list of demands on behalf of Non-Governmental Organisations, the Chairman of the Gombe Network of Civil Society Organisations, Yusuf Ibrahim, urged the governor to release the list of stocked palliatives. This request underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the distribution of relief materials, ensuring that those in need receive timely assistance.
Governor Yahaya’s statement on the state’s inability to meet the new minimum wage highlights the broader fiscal challenges faced by many Nigerian states. It also reflects the ongoing struggle to balance financial constraints with the imperative to improve the welfare of public sector workers. As Gombe State navigates these economic pressures, the collaboration between the government and civil society will be crucial in addressing the needs of its citizens and fostering a stable and resilient community.
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