Connect with us

Published

on

banner

JUST IN; Civil Servants decry reduced Salaries amid lopsided Minimum Wage implementation

Many federal civil servants are lamenting over the reduction in their January salary amid lopsided implementation of the new minimum wage.

Advertisement

The workers, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, complained that their January salaries did not reflect the minimum wage .

A civil servant, Mr Paul Okor, said that it was disheartening that the new minimum wage had not resulted in a considerable increase in the salaries of the workers, even in the midst of high inflation.

Advertisement

“We were hopeful when the new minimum wage was announced, thinking it will ease our struggles.

“But in January, not only did we not get the promised wage, we received only half of our salaries.

Advertisement

“How are we supposed to survive like this? Rent, school fees, and daily expenses do not wait. It feels like the government is playing with our lives,” he said

According to Ibrahim Yusuf, the situation is a clear violation of the minimum wage agreement.

Advertisement

Yusuf said that civil servants were demoralised, a situation that could affect productivity across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“The well-being of workers is deteriorating. They cannot meet basic needs, and many are sinking into debt.

Advertisement

“The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has issued multiple warnings, but some state governments continue to default on implementation of the new minimum wage, we demand immediate action to correct this injustice,” he said.

Mrs Rakiya Isah queried the format for implementing the minimum wage.

Advertisement

Isah said that the implementation of the new minimum wage appeared to be shrouded in secrecy.

“Was there really an increase in minimum wage? I was already adjusting to my enhanced salary package only to see a decrease in January, what is happening?

Advertisement

“How do I survive with six children in this economy? I want to appeal to the unions to look into this, we must not keep quiet on this.

“After the removal of fuel subsidy, I expected a higher minimum wage, but we are given less, and they give us anything that comes to their mind,” she said.

Advertisement

She called for better communication between the Federal Government and its employees.

Mrs Ese Williams urged the Federal Government to address the lopsided implementation of the new minimum wage, which had resulted in some workers earning less than before.

Advertisement

“Things are so expensive now. Transportation costs, high electricity tariff, cost of living generally.

“We were surprised to see the meagre salaries we received in January. It was a far cry from what we were expecting, and something should be done about it,” she said.

Advertisement

She said that going by current economic realities, the average civil servant was already finding it difficult to survive.

She also urged the Federal Government to revisit the issue of income tax, which had also placed a huge burden on finances of the civil servants.

Advertisement

“Imagine a level 15 officer with a monthly salary of less than N400,000 paying about N60,000 tax. That is prohibitive, ” she said.

Mr Joseph Edeh, expressed concern over his meagre take home after the purported implementation of the new minimum wage.

Advertisement

According to Edeh, the civil servants appear to be at the receiving end of the harsh realities of government’s fiscal reforms.

“The civil servants are not being fairly treated with the unclear implementation of the new minimum wage. I have not seen any real implementation of the minimum wage.

Advertisement

” In December, 2024 we saw N40,000 added to the salaries across board; is that how to implement minimum wage?

“The salary is the only source of income for civil servants, and I want to urge the labour unions to wade into this minimum wage confusion because civil servants are being shortcganged,” he said.

Advertisement

Edeh urged the Federal Government to also consider paying severance packages for retiring civil servants, similar to what the politicians get.

“The politicians spend just four years and walk away with huge severance packages. The civil servants, as the major drivers of the economy deserve much better, ” he said.

Advertisement

Dr Chinedu Okafor, a Public Policy Analyst, said that the inconsistency in salary payments, in spite the new minimum wage, highlighted deeper structural issues in Nigeria’s fiscal management.

“When civil servants do not receive their full pay, it affects not just their financial stability but also their mental health and family well-being.

Advertisement

“This undermines trust in government institutions. Sustainable wage policies must be backed by responsible budgeting and financial transparency at both federal and state levels,” he said .

Some federal civil servants also expressed concern that some state governments were paying a higher minimum wage than the Federal Government.

Advertisement

Lagos state had approved N85,000 as minimum wage, same with Rivers. That is N15, 000 higher than N70,000 approved by the Federal Government.

Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom, approved N80,000.

Advertisement

According to Raymond Haruna, it is an aberration in an economy like Nigeria, for the Federal Government to insist on N70,000 when some states are paying between N80,000 and N85,000.

“This is the first time I am witnessing such in Nigeria, and I think it is unfair,” he said.

Advertisement

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), said that the new minimum wage of N70,000 was being fully implemented.

According to Bawa Mokwa, Director, Press and Public Relations, OAGF, the N70,000 new minimum wage implies that N40, 000 was added to the old minimum wage of N30,000.

Advertisement

“The Federal Government started paying, with the agreement to pay arrears of three months, as well as arrears of 25 per cent increase for workers on the consolidated salary structure.

“The Federal Government also added N40, 000 to the monthly salaries of all categories of workers, from grade level 1 to grade level 17.

Advertisement

“When they finished paying all the arrears in December, the government returned to the normal salary, inclusive of the minimum wage adjustment,” he said. (NAN)

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading
Advertisement

News

Governor mourns as unknown persons kill Woman and six Children in her residence

Published

on

banner

Governor mourns as unknown persons kill Woman and six Children in her residence

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has expressed deep sorrow, over the brutal killing of a woman, Fatima Abubakar, 35, and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters of the state.
The governor described the incident as barbaric, senseless, and a grave assault on human dignity.
In a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Mr Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday, Gov. Yusuf extended his condolences to the bereaved’s family, the people of Dorayi Chiranchi, and the entire Kano State.
He prayed that Allah grants the departed souls, eternal rest and gives their loved ones the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
Meanwhile, the governor vowed that his administration would ensure that perpetrators of the tragic incident, are brought to justice.
He directed the Kano State Police Command to immediately hunt down the perpetrators and ensure they are arrested and prosecuted.
According to the statement, Gov. Yusuf also ordered the Kano Neighborhood Corps, to intensify patrols and community surveillance across vulnerable areas, to prevent a recurrence of such tragedy.
He called on residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report suspicious activities, while assuring that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property.( NAN)

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading

News

‘This bronze feels like gold’, President Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ AFCON third place victory

Published

on

banner

‘This bronze feels like gold’, President Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ AFCON third place victory

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles for winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Advertisement

Tinubu described the achievement as a “bronze that feels like gold,” praising the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.

“This bronze medal surely feels good like gold. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles and our national team players,” the President said.

Advertisement

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday in Abuja.

The Super Eagles defeated Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, via penalties after regulation time ended in a draw.

Advertisement

Tinubu commended the team for overcoming the disappointment of their semi-final loss to host nation, Morocco, on Wednesday.

He said the players demonstrated determination, persistence and the can-do spirit for which Nigeria is known.

Advertisement

“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.

“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off,” Tinubu said.

Advertisement

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bronze medal is Nigeria’s ninth in AFCON history.

Nigeria has now won the AFCON title three times, finished runners-up four times and claimed third place on record nine occasions.

Advertisement

Tinubu said Nigerians would be proud as the team receives their bronze medals on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco.

“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco,” he said. (NAN)

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading

News

Governor, Emir, over 3 million crowd gather for Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud

Published

on

banner

Governor, Emir, over 3 million crowd gather for Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud

An estimated 3 million followers of Tijaniyya Islamic Sect from within and outside the country, on Saturday, converged on Katsina for the celebration of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud, 2026.

Advertisement

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which took place at Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina, was organised by the “Majma’u Ahbab Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass”.

The Chairman, organising committee, Sheikh Muhammad Hadi-Balarabe, said that they anticipated about 4 million guests from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as West and North African countries.

Advertisement

NAN gathered that almost all hotel rooms in Katsina metropolis were occupied by those who came from far places, the situation made some residents to provide their unoccupied houses for their visitors as a demonstration of hospitality.

Those who could not afford to lodge in hotel rooms slept in the stadium in spite of the cold weather.

Advertisement

Before 9a.m. of Saturday, the stadium had already filled to capacity, both the seats and pitch were occupied by people, while all available surrounding spaces inside the stadium were later occupied by people.

The dual carriage road linking to the venue from the WTC roundabout up to Barhin roundabout was filled up by people.

Advertisement

NAN also observed that the event presented opportunities for traders, especially those selling food, water, soft drinks, herbal medicine, clothing materials, books, among others to make brisk businesses.

Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru-Bauchi, thanked the Katsina State Government for hosting the historic event and prayed Allah to bring lasting peace, stability and prosperity to the state, Northern Nigeria and the country in general.

Advertisement

In his remarks, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, urged Muslims to continue to stand firm in obeying the commandments of their creator.

He advised them to intensify efforts in seeking Allah’s forgiveness, follow the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), endeavour to seek for knowledge, and engage in business activities to become self reliant.

Advertisement

Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina, thanked the organisers for choosing his state to host the 2026 Maulud.

He appreciated the scholars for offerings prayers for peace and stability in the state and the country at large.

Advertisement

Radda revealed that with such prayers, peace was gradually returning to the state and urged them to sustain the prayers for the overall betterment of the state and Nigeria.

Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ eldest son, Sheikh Mahi Ibrahim-Nyass, represented by his younger brother, Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim-Nyass, prayed Allah to repose the soul of the revered Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi, who passed away some months ago.

Advertisement

He urged the Muslims across the globe to continue to be united, love one-another and uphold the sect firmly.

A special prayer was also offered for Katsina, Nigeria and the leaders. (NAN)

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading

Trending

© 2025, All Rights Reserved | Crime Channels