10/10/2024
PDP Raises Concerns Over Gombe
State's Minimum Wage
Implementation: Calls for Transparency and Equity
Date: 10th October 2024
In response to the recent press release from the Gombe State government regarding the implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) wishes to articulate our position while emphasizing the importance of transparency and equity in this critical matter.
We commend the intention to align with the national minimum wage; however, we are concerned about the implications of the proposed wage structure. Reports indicate that while those earning below N70,000 will receive a full adjustment to this new minimum wage, civil servants earning above this amount may only see an increase of less than 10%. This sharp disparity in the proposed implementation of the new minimum wage in the State not only undermines the critical intention of minimizing workers' hardship but also negates the nationally accepted procedure of salary adjustments arising from minimum salary reviews.
There is a tradition of an implementation process that affects all categories of workers for equity and justice as far as the salary table is concerned. While allowances may vary based on professional engagements, it is essential to maintain the highly desired ethics, output, and dynamism of the civil service, which serves as the engine room of human development. Therefore, all these natural roles of the civil service could be undermined and rendered unattainable through the lopsided, callous, and mean-spirited proposal in Gombe State's implementation process of the new minimum wage.
We urge all civil servants to remain vigilant and discerning in light of this announcement. It is vital that workers understand the full impact of this wage policy and recognize the potential for inequity. The PDP is committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of every worker in Gombe State, ensuring that all voices are heard and that justice prevails.
Moreover, we call upon the Gombe State government to demonstrate transparency by publishing a detailed table of the proposed salary adjustments. This will allow the general public to assess the changes clearly and ensure that all stakeholders are informed. Transparency in this process is essential to build trust between the government and the citizens it serves.
The PDP stands ready to engage constructively with the government to promote fair labor practices and advocate for the rights of all citizens. We believe that through open dialogue and accountability, we can work towards a more equitable and prosperous Gombe State.
Signed,
Abdulkadir Ahmed Dukku
Publicity Secretary
People's Democratic Party (PDP), Gombe State
