Confusion in Jigawa as Gov denies Approving N70,000 minimum wage after Adviser’s Announcement.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu
Oct 12, 2024
The recent confusion surrounding the minimum wage announcement in Jigawa State highlights the communication breakdown between the state government and its civil servants.
Initially, the Senior Special Adviser on Salary and Pension, Mr. Ado Kazaure, announced a new minimum wage of N70,000, which sparked joy among civil servants, leading many to express gratitude on social media. However, this excitement quickly turned to disappointment when Governor Malam Umar Namadi denied approving the wage increase, stating that no such decision had been made.
Mr. Kazaure later confirmed the authenticity of an audio message retracting the wage announcement, indicating that his earlier statement might have been made to gain political favor ahead of the local government council elections, aiming to rally support for the ruling APC.
The workers, feeling deceived, voiced their frustration, describing the government’s actions as “serious deceit” and “wickedness.” Many expressed disappointment in the state’s leadership, feeling it lacked compassion for the needs of ordinary citizens.
This situation underscores the importance of clear and consistent communication from government officials, especially regarding sensitive issues such as wages, which directly impact the livelihoods of civil servants. The conflicting messages have not only caused confusion but have also eroded trust in the state’s leadership among its workforce.