Local government workers in Gombe State have yet to receive their October salaries due to delays in implementing the newly approved N71,451 minimum wage.
The new wage structure was signed into effect on October 14 by the Gombe State Government and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), marking a significant increase from the previous N18,000 minimum wage for local government employees.
The state government had assured workers that the revised wage would begin in October, following a formal agreement signed by Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau.
At the signing ceremony, Jatau urged any workers who were not paid under the new wage scale by month’s end to bring the issue to his attention.
While state civil servants received their October salaries on time, by October 30, their counterparts in local government have now been waiting well into November without pay.
Traditionally, salaries are paid between the 25th and 27th of each month, making this delay a source of concern for many affected employees.
Local government workers shared their frustration over the delay, emphasizing the impact it has had on their daily lives. “This delay is making life difficult, as we are struggling to make ends meet,” lamented Sani Ahmed, a civil servant, who urged the government to resolve the issue promptly.
The delay has left some workers in debt, having counted on the increased wage. “The promise of N71,451 led many of us to incur debt, expecting timely payment. Now it’s been almost 50 days since we received our last salary in September,” explained an employee from one of the local government areas, noting that transportation costs have added to their financial strain.
