The Sokoto State government has shown strong commitment to worker welfare. It has fully implemented the new N70,000 national minimum wage. This action makes it one of the leading states. It complies with the federal directive issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This confirmation came during a joint press briefing on Wednesday. The event was led by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Sokoto State, Comrade Aliyu Jangle. It also included the President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Ibrahim Gero. The labour leaders reaffirmed that civil servants across all cadres are receiving the new wage. This includes those in Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs). They have been receiving the new wage since its approval by the state government.
Addressing recent reports suggesting Sokoto had not begun implementation, Comrade Jangle dismissed the claims as “misleading and factually incorrect.” A national newspaper had quoted the National President of NULGE indicating that Sokoto was yet to implement the policy. The Sokoto NULGE chapter was quick to refute the claim.
“We are compelled to address the false narrative that Sokoto State is lagging in wage implementation,” Jangle said. “Our members are already receiving the N70,000 minimum wage, and the policy has been rolled out without any delay.”
He added that such misinformation undermines the achievements of the state government. It also diminishes the collaborative efforts of labour unions. These unions worked closely to ensure a smooth transition to the new wage structure.
Both labour leaders praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his proactive stance and described him as “the most worker-friendly governor in the country.” According to them, the governor not only ensured timely payment of salaries and wages but also demonstrated a genuine interest in cleaning up the civil service payroll system through a joint verification committee.
“We were involved from day one,” Comrade Gero said. “The government did not only invite us to the table, we co-chaired the committee that audited the wage structure and ensured the implementation was sustainable.”
The governor’s efforts have also extended beyond wage increases. According to the NLC chairman, the administration has initiated the payment of monthly pensions to retirees of the Nomadic Education Commission (NOMA). It also began disbursement of long-overdue gratuities and pensions, which amounts to billions of naira.
The new minimum wage is now fully implemented. Sokoto State has positioned itself as a model for labour compliance. This comes at a time when many other states are still negotiating with unions or citing budget constraints.
“We urge other states to follow Sokoto’s lead,” Jangle said. “Workers are the engine of government. If they are treated well, it reflects in governance and service delivery.”
This matches President Tinubu’s national wage reform. It’s regarded as a significant political win for the state. It also boosts morale among public sector workers. Many of them had faced years of wage stagnation.
The implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage is already making a positive impact on the lives of civil servants in Sokoto. Workers who previously struggled with inflation and rising living costs now have improved purchasing power, which is expected to boost local commerce and stimulate microeconomic activity in the state.
A junior civil servant who preferred not to be named said, “For the first time in years, I can meet my household needs without borrowing before the end of the month. The new wage has brought hope back.”
Small businesses in the state are also beginning to report increased patronage, thanks to higher disposable income among public workers.
The Sokoto State government has indicated plans to continue engaging with labour unions to sustain the wage increase and improve the welfare of all categories of workers, including health, education, and technical staff.
As the state sets a strong example in the implementation of the national wage policy, attention now turns to other states yet to comply. For Sokoto workers, however, the future looks promising.