The Katsina State Government and labour unions have reached an agreement on implementing the N70,000 minimum wage, with payments set to begin in December 2024.
According to The PUNCH, the resolution came after nine hours of negotiations that concluded in the early hours of Saturday.
Announcing the decision, the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, described the outcome as a milestone in addressing workers’ welfare.
“This landmark agreement demonstrates the commitment of Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s administration to prioritising civil servants’ needs and fostering a stable labour relationship,” he stated.
Faskari noted that the discussions centered on aligning the financial demands of the workforce with the government’s fiscal realities, ensuring the sustainability of the new wage policy.
“We carefully assessed the state’s financial capacity and are confident we can implement the new salary structure without disrupting ongoing developmental projects or essential services,” he added.
The agreement also includes plans to streamline the payroll system to guarantee a smooth transition and ensure timely payment of the revised salaries.
Negotiations initially reached a stalemate on Friday, as labour unions staged a walkout after the government proposed starting the new wage in January 2025.
The unions insisted that implementation should begin with December 2024 salaries, leading to hours of further dialogue. Talks resumed and concluded at about 1:30 am on Saturday, with both parties reaching a compromise.
Labour representatives expressed satisfaction with the outcome, describing it as a victory for workers across the state. The new minimum wage is expected to provide significant relief to civil servants amid rising living costs.
