Says Implementation Committee Chair

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Following Governor Babagana Zulum’s approval and the ongoing payments of Chairman of the new minimum wage of N70,000 for all categories of civil servants in Borno state, the Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Dr Babagana Mallambe Mustapha, has said the the gesture which kick -started last Friday would enhance morale, boost productivity and lift economic condition of the people.

Mallumbe who is the Commissioner of Budget and Planning disclosed this at a press briefing which took place at the Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Musa Usman Secretariat in Maiduguri on Monday.

Mallumbe, flanked by the state Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Yusuf Inuwa, Head of Service, Barrister Mallam Fannami and other members of the committee said, beside the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, it will have a positive impact on the lives of Borno State civil servants and their families, especially in Improving their Living Standards and cushion the effect of fuel subsidy
removal.

“I am highly delighted today to inform you the successful completion of the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for all categories of Borno
State civil servants.

“This is yet another significant milestone for our state and a testament to the commitment of Engr Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, the Executive
Governor to the welfare of his workforce.

“Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the Executive Governor for all the support and political will for the successful completion of this task.

“The implementation process was
collaborative effort and commitment of all my members in particular the Head of Service, labor leaders, the technical team, the state controller of labor and all other relevant stakeholders for their dedication to see the smooth and efficient implementation of the new wage structure.

“The implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage will have a positive impact on the lives of Borno State civil servants and their families, some of the key benefits among others
include: Improved Living Standards, enhanced Morals and Economic boost”. He said.

In his remarks, the Head of Service, Barrister Fannami, said, the Committee in carrying out its assignment, had taken cognizance of the need to comply with the law on minimum wage and also strike a balance between the need to pay the
workers a living wage or a reasonable wage under the present dispensation, and also look at the funds available
to the state, the peculiarity and several other competing demands.

” I am happy for the gesture, and let me use this opportunity to reiterate to our civil servants that for every Right, there
is also the corresponding obligations to perform on their part. I therefore enjoin all civil servants to be even more dedicated and committed to their works and reciprocate all the good gestures of His Excellency Governor Zulum’s
administration”. He said.

Also responding, the Labour Leader in the state, Comrade Inuwa who commended the state government for quick implementation of the minimum wage, appealed for extension of similar approval for all workers from the 27 local government areas, as according to him, local government workers are yet to benefit from the exercise.