By Precious Momoh
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has formally approved the new minimum wage of ₦71,000 for civil servants. Announced on Tuesday during a formal presentation at the Government House, this decision is set to benefit the state’s workforce beginning November 2024.
The new wage adjustment considers Kano’s expansive workforce and limited Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). “Kano state has one of the largest workforces in Nigeria, reflective of our population and specific local needs,” the governor stated. “Together with our financial constraints, including the low internally generated revenue (IGR) we inherited, we have decided to implement the new national minimum wage of ₦71,000.”
The implementation will elevate Kano’s monthly salary obligations by an additional ₦6 billion, with local government areas collectively requiring an extra ₦7 billion to accommodate the revised pay.
Strong Commitment to Workers Amid Financial Constraints
Governor Yusuf’s administration has made it clear that civil servants’ welfare remains the focus point in the state affairs, despite financial limitations. The governor acknowledged Kano’s considerable workforce, which includes employees who, despite challenging conditions, continue to deliver essential public services. “Our administration is deeply committed to prioritizing the welfare of our civil servants, who tirelessly provide efficient, effective, and quality services to our people despite limited financial resources,” he said, reiterating his commitment to social justice and economic growth.
A significant factor influencing this policy is Kano’s relatively low IGR, a long-standing concern for the administration. Governor Yusuf highlighted the stark differences in revenue generation among Nigerian states, noting that Kano’s monthly average IGR lags substantially behind leading states. “We inherited an average monthly IGR of only ₦2 billion,” he remarked. “By comparison, states such as Lagos generate an average of ₦54.3 billion, Rivers ₦14.5 billion, Ogun ₦10.1 billion, and Delta ₦7.1 billion.”
To meet these new financial demands, Yusuf has called for the Kano state revenue generation strategies to be overhauled, urging government agencies to explore innovative avenues for boosting revenue.
Efforts for Financial Sustainability and Reforms in Public Services
Governor Yusuf stressed that achieving sustainable improvements in employee welfare will require coordinated efforts to enhance service delivery. Addressing the civil servants directly, he emphasized, “Let’s harness our collective strength to drive transformative change and achieve greatness in service.” The administration’s broader goal is to maintain high-quality public services for Kano’s citizens, requiring civil servants to adopt more efficient and innovative approaches.
In light of these financial adjustments, the Head of Civil Service, Abdullahi Musa, applauded the efforts of the Public Service Negotiation Committee. Musa, in his remarks during the report presentation, assured the governor of a smooth transition to the new minimum wage, recognizing the committee’s diligence in preparing for this implementation phase.
The Public Service Negotiation Committee’s report provides a framework that balances the state’s financial constraints with the needs of its workers, ensuring that both civil servants and the local government can transition to the new wage structure effectively. Kabiru Inuwa, representing the civil servants, expressed gratitude on behalf of his colleagues, stating, “We thank the governor for approving the minimum wage despite the state civil servants being the most populous in the country.”
