Gombe State Governor Faces Uphill Battle to Meet N70,000 Minimum Wage Amid Lean Allocation

Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed concerns over the state’s ability to meet the newly introduced N70,000 minimum wage, citing lean allocation from the federal government. Speaking during a meeting with stakeholders on the planned nationwide #Endbadgovernance protest, Yahaya stated that he suspects many other states are facing the same predicament.

The governor emphasized that the state’s commitment to providing relief to its citizens remains unwavering, highlighting previous palliative distributions and ongoing investments in human capital development, education, health, and agriculture. However, he expressed concern over the delay in receiving essential supplies, including 20 trucks of rice donated by the federal government.

Yahaya urged for peaceful and orderly conduct during the protest, acknowledging the crucial role of civil society organizations, labour unions, and traders in maintaining social stability and economic resilience. He called for continued cooperation and dialogue to navigate the challenging times ahead.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Gombe Network of Civil Society Organizations, Yusuf Ibrahim, presented a list of demands on behalf of non-governmental organizations, urging the governor to release the list of stocked palliatives.

The governor’s comments have sparked concerns over the ability of states to implement the new minimum wage, which was recently assented to by President Bola Tinubu following an agreement with joint labour unions. The development is a significant challenge for states struggling to manage their finances amidst lean allocation from the federal government.