Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has begun implementing the ₦30,000 minimum wage for state workers, fulfilling a promise made during a recent meeting with labor union leaders. This development marks a significant shift, as Zamfara was among the states that had not implemented the minimum wage since the law was signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.
Previously, civil servants in Zamfara were paid as little as ₦7,000 per month. The commencement of the new wage coincides with the payment of June salaries, which started on June 12, 2024, ahead of the Eid-ul-Adha celebration. This initiative is part of a broader effort by Governor Lawal’s administration to improve the welfare of workers in the state.
Sulaiman Bala Idris, the governor’s spokesperson, highlighted that the administration has been proactive in addressing workers’ welfare since taking office. This includes the payment of three months’ withheld salaries, leave grants, owed gratuities, and ensuring timely salary payments. Idris emphasized the government’s commitment to reforming and rejuvenating the Zamfara civil service, aiming for continued support and improvement of workers’ conditions.
Governor Lawal’s actions represent a significant step towards fulfilling the state’s obligations under the national minimum wage law and demonstrate a commitment to the economic well-being of Zamfara’s civil servants.