By Ohuakanwa Chibuzo
In a significant development aimed at alleviating economic burdens on civil servants, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has officially sanctioned the payment of a N20,000 wage award for all public sector employees within the state. This announcement comes in the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s impassioned appeal to state governments across Nigeria, urging them to implement this wage award as a means to mitigate the economic challenges faced by citizens.
President Tinubu, during his recent visit to Minna on Monday, March 11, emphasized the urgency of this action, underlining its potential to provide immediate relief to individuals and families grappling with financial strain. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the newly renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport Minna, as well as Governor Bago’s groundbreaking agricultural mechanization project, President Tinubu highlighted the importance of proactive measures in addressing economic hardships.
During his address, President Tinubu articulated the necessity for all states to adopt the wage award, asserting that such a move would not only alleviate immediate economic pressures but also contribute to a more stable economic environment without causing inflationary spikes. His sentiments were echoed in discussions surrounding the National Executive Council, suggesting a broader national consensus on the issue.
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Governor Bago’s decisive action to implement the wage award was formally announced during the state Executive Council meeting convened in Minna on Wednesday. Assuring civil servants of the promptness of the payment process, Governor Bago affirmed that workers would soon begin receiving alerts confirming the disbursement of the wage award.
In addition to this landmark decision, Governor Bago unveiled a comprehensive plan to support citizens during the upcoming Ramadan period. This initiative includes the establishment of feeding centers strategically located across various wards, ensuring that vulnerable individuals have access to essential meals during this sacred month. Furthermore, the state government has pledged to distribute 120 trucks of grains as part of its ongoing efforts to provide vital assistance to those in need.
This proactive approach by Governor Bago reflects a commitment to prioritizing the welfare and well-being of Niger State residents in the face of prevailing economic uncertainties. By implementing the wage award and launching targeted support programs, the government aims to foster resilience and stability within the community, thereby laying the groundwork for sustained economic recovery and prosperity.
