By-Abba Hamisu Sani
1st of May every year is a special day for workers in Nigeria working with the government or with the Private sector.
The main issue ahead of this year’s celebrations is the expectation of the new minimum wage Increment.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to announce the new salary scale as Vice President Senator Kashim Shatima hinted recently that by the 1st of May, the new minimum wage will be ready for implementation.
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Here I want to salute the courage exhibited by the Edo State governor Godwin Obaseki who has increased the minimum wage for workers in the state from 40,000 naira to 70,000 naira ahead of the 2024 Workers Day celebrations.
This prompted my attention to urge my state governor Abba Yusuf to follow the suit of Edo State governor in this direction.
Kano workers suffered a lot in the hands of the immediate past administration, ranging from different kinds of deductions which causes uncertainty on the amount to be collected by a worker and even pensioners every month.
Governor Abba if you do the same as Obasaki, the Kano people will be happy with you as it will boost the state economy and currency circulation.
It is very imperative at this time to be proactive and not wait for the Federal government announcement before taking your step in making Kano workers happy.
Infrastructural development is quite needed but at this time social security is the most critical as it has been said “A hungry man is an angry man”.
Workers’ salaries are too low to cater to their basic needs, such as food, rent, transportation, and school fees for their children while they see politicians cruising in jeeps and other expensive cars.
Finally, Governor Yusuf remember that these workers have sacrificed a lot during the 2024 elections to see that you emerged as Kano governor.
Is very important to consider their plight at this moment of critical economic hardship.
I urged all comrades in different forms of struggle including civil society Forum to join me in pushing the Kano State government to implement a new minimum wage in a dignified manner as the Edo State governor did.
Abba Hamisu Sani is a Media Consultant /CEO Time Base TvAfrica & Africa Press. Can be reached via [email protected]
