Governor Yahaya: Gombe State Unable to Meet N70,000 Minimum Wage

Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya has revealed that the state’s limited budget makes it challenging to implement the recently approved N70,000 minimum wage. This minimum wage was recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu following negotiations with joint labor unions.

During a meeting with stakeholders on Tuesday, held at the banquet hall of the Gombe Government House, Yahaya stated, “I cannot pay the N70,000 minimum wage, and I suspect many other states are in the same predicament.”

Regarding the rice donated to states by the Federal Government, Yahaya appreciated the initiative but expressed concern about the delay in receiving these essential supplies in Gombe. He mentioned, “We are yet to receive the Federal Government’s 20 trucks of rice to Gombe State.”

Despite these challenges, Yahaya emphasized the state’s dedication to supporting its citizens, highlighting previous palliative distributions and ongoing investments in human capital development, education, health, and agriculture.

On the topic of the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest, Yahaya stressed the importance of peaceful and orderly demonstrations. He acknowledged the role of civil society organizations, labor unions, and traders in maintaining social stability and economic resilience and called for continued cooperation and dialogue to navigate these challenging times.

During the meeting, the Chairman of the Gombe Network of Civil Society Organisations, Yusuf Ibrahim, presented a list of demands on behalf of non-governmental organizations. He urged the governor to release the list of stored palliatives.