Sokoto primary teachers to benefit from the approved ₦70,000 national minimum wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Sokoto State has confirmed that local government workers and primary school teachers will receive the new ₦70,000 minimum wage approved by the state government.

Speaking to journalists after a state executive meeting at the NLC secretariat in Sokoto, the NLC Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Aliyu (Jungle), assured that teachers working under the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) are included in the agreement.

“What we signed at the end of our negotiations with officials of the state government is a minimum wage for

state and local government staff, which the NLC believes includes teachers at the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA),” he explained.

Comrade Jungle noted that if Sokoto State’s economic situation improves, the union will push for payment of outstanding wage arrears.

The chairman emphasized that the new wage agreement resulted from collaborative negotiations between the NLC leadership and the state government. He confirmed that the ₦70,000 minimum wage will take effect in January 2025.

In light of this agreement, the planned strike over the non-implementation of the wage has been called off. Comrade Jungle highlighted the NLC’s commitment to ensuring only legitimate workers benefit from the new wage, mentioning that verification and screening exercises may be conducted if needed.

He encouraged civil servants to remain patient, expressing optimism about potential additional welfare initiatives from the government.

This announcement follows efforts by 17 state governments, including Sokoto, to establish committees for implementing the ₦70,000 minimum wage.

Comrade Jungle praised the negotiation team for their dedication during discussions, saying, “We are satisfied with the agreement reached for the implementation of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage.”

The chairman also commended the state government’s cooperation and stressed the union’s ongoing commitment to protecting workers’ interests and ensuring the smooth execution of the new wage structure. He expressed hope that the agreement would contribute to the state’s overall progress.