Kaduna State has commenced the implementation of the new ₦72,000 minimum wage for civil servants, starting with workers on Grade Levels 1–6.
The development was confirmed on Thursday by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kaduna State Council, during a press briefing. The union, however, stressed that full implementation for all workers must follow without delay.
State NLC Chairman, Ayuba Magaji Suleiman, described the rollout as a positive step but noted gaps, particularly at the local government level and in some sectors.
“We welcome the commencement of the ₦72,000 minimum wage for civil servants in Kaduna. The government has started with Grade Levels 1–6, but this is only the first phase. We expect it to cover all categories of workers, including teachers, healthcare workers, and employees in tertiary institutions and parastatals,” Suleiman said.
He explained that the extension of the new wage structure to other categories of workers is tied to the ongoing staff and pension verification exercise, expected to be completed by September 2025.
“Adjustments for other workers, including pensioners, will follow after the verification exercise. While documentation is necessary, the process should be fast-tracked so that no worker is left behind,” he added.
Suleiman also welcomed the state government’s commitment to adopting new salary tables for health workers under CONMESS and CONHESS, aligned with the ₦72,000 minimum wage.
“This is a welcome move. Health workers deserve better pay for their critical services. We expect the new salary tables to reflect the ₦72,000 framework,” he said.
Despite the progress, Suleiman expressed concern that primary school teachers, local government employees, and primary healthcare workers have yet to benefit from the wage adjustment.
“The NLC will continue to engage the government until every worker—state, local government, education, healthcare, and tertiary institutions—receives the ₦72,000 minimum wage with all consequential adjustments,” he added.
The labour leader further urged the government to prioritize fairness and transparency, noting that industrial harmony depends on timely action.
“When workers see sincerity and commitment from the government, industrial peace follows naturally. We expect the government to do the right thing,” he said.
Suleiman pledged that the NLC would continue monitoring the situation and hold the government accountable for its promises.
“Kaduna workers deserve better, and we will not rest until everyone receives their rightful pay,” he said, urging the government to expedite the verification exercise to ensure full wage implementation before September 2025.