The Kaduna State Government has commenced implementation of the new ₦72,000 minimum wage, starting with civil servants on Grade Levels 1–6.
The development was confirmed on Thursday by the Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress, which welcomed the move but insisted that all categories of workers must benefit without delay.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, the State NLC Chairman, Comrade Ayuba Magaji Suleiman, described the rollout as “a step in the right direction,” but warned that the union would not accept selective implementation.
“We welcome the commencement of the ₦72,000 minimum wage implementation for civil servants in Kaduna State. The government has started with Grade Levels 1–6, but this is only the first phase. We expect the implementation to cover every worker—teachers, healthcare workers, staff in tertiary institutions, parastatals, and local government councils,” Suleiman said.
He disclosed that the government had linked the full rollout to an ongoing staff and pension verification exercise expected to be concluded in September.
“While we understand the importance of proper verification, we urge the government to fast-track the process so that no worker or pensioner is left out. Workers have endured enough hardship, and fairness demands that everyone benefits at the same time,” he stated.
The NLC chairman further commended the government’s promise to adjust the salary structures for medical and health workers under CONMESS and CONHESS in line with the new wage.
“This is commendable. Health workers provide critical services, and their pay must reflect the ₦72,000 minimum wage framework,” he said.
However, Suleiman raised concerns that primary school teachers, local government employees, and primary healthcare workers were yet to be captured in the first phase.
“This is an area of serious concern. We will continue to engage until every category of worker receives the new wage and all consequential adjustments,” he stressed.
He also cautioned that industrial peace in the state would depend on the government’s sincerity and speed of action.
“When workers see genuine commitment from government, there will be harmony. But if the process drags unnecessarily, tensions could rise. We expect the government to do the right thing,” he warned.
Suleiman reminded the state authorities that the wage was not a privilege but a right, especially in the face of inflation and rising living costs.
“Our people have suffered enough. Inflation has eaten deep into salaries. The ₦72,000 minimum wage is not a favour—it is the rightful entitlement of every worker in Kaduna State,” he declared.
The NLC assured workers that it would continue monitoring the situation and hold the government accountable until the wage is fully implemented across all sectors.
“We are in constant dialogue with the government, and we will not relent. Kaduna workers deserve better, and we will not rest until everyone is paid accordingly,” Suleiman added.
