Niger State Governor Umaru Bago says his administration will not hesitate to implement the N70,000 minimum wage as far as resources are available.

Bago said this in an interview with newsmen after declaring open the 2024 quadrennial state delegate conference of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in Minna, the Niger State capital, on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, said the state government was waiting for its implementation at the national level.

“The issue of minimum wage is a done deal. We are waiting for it as far as funds are available; we will not hesitate to ensure the implementation in the state,” he said.

Bago disclosed that the backlog of salaries of health workers had been paid as well as the ongoing renovation of 100 healthcare facilities for a conducive working environment.

He stated that the government had been consistent in the payment of counterpart funds, adding that the Niger State Ministry for Primary Healthcare Development was created to cater for the welfare of health workers.

Governor Bago thanked the union leaders for the mutual relationship with the state government and appealed to them to look inward and continue to collaborate with the government.

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According to him, workers have the right to agitate for their entitlements but they should also consider what the government is doing to ensure their welfare.

The governor advised the incoming executives of MHWUN to put aside their personal interests and prioritise members’ interests.

Also speaking at the event, the Niger State Chairman of MHWUN, Abdullahi Erena, said the conference was to elect new leadership that would pilot the affairs of the union for the next four years.

Erena said the union had faced challenges such as the global pandemic, economic uncertainties, healthcare demands, and banditry, but had remained committed to the provision of healthcare services.

In his remarks, the National President of MHWUN, Dr Kabir Sani, urged Nigerians to condemn the recent increment in fuel pump price and called on the government to revert it.

Sani said the union was committed to supporting any lawful action by the organised labour to save workers and Nigerians from the economic challenges.

The Star