The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has commended Governor Mohammed Bago for approving N80,000 as the new minimum wage for civil servants.
The approval, which takes effect from November 2024, has positioned Niger as one of the leading states in implementing this wage hike for both state and local government workers.
The CAN Chairman, Dr. Bulus Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, expressed his appreciation to the governor in a statement released by his media aide, Daniel Atori.
He praised Governor Bago for choosing the N80,000 option from the N70,000, N75,000, and N80,000 alternatives presented by the state’s Organized Labour.
“On behalf of the entire Christendom in Niger State, I thank our dear Farmer Governor for his commitment to improving the welfare of civil servants,” Bishop Yohanna stated.
He also highlighted Governor Bago’s initiative to implement a Civil Servants Farming Program, encouraging workers to participate and enhance their productivity.
In addition, the state CAN Chairman urged the state’s workforce to reciprocate the Governor’s generosity by working harder to improve Niger State’s revenue.
He called on Organized Labour to encourage civil servants to seize the opportunity to contribute more to the state’s development.
Governor Bago’s decision follows extensive negotiations with labour leaders and reinforces his administration’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of civil servants and boosting the state’s agricultural productivity.