The Jigawa State Government has suspended Bashir Ado, the Special Adviser on Salary and Pensions, over a “premature statement” regarding the implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage. This was disclosed on Saturday in a statement by Bala Ibrahim, Secretary to the State Government.
The controversy arose after reports circulated suggesting that Governor Umar Namadi had approved the new wage for state workers. However, Ibrahim clarified that the claim was premature and did not reflect the government’s official position.
“The government views with serious concern a statement circulating in the media alleging that the governor has approved N70,000 as the new minimum wage for workers in the state. This is embarrassing and premature, as the committee, headed by the Head of the State Civil Service, is yet to complete its assignment and submit a report,” Ibrahim said.
Following the incident, Governor Namadi approved Ado’s immediate suspension, pending an investigation into the matter. A committee, led by Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Bello Abdulkadir, has been given two weeks to investigate the source and motive behind the statement. Other members of the committee include Sagir Musa, Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports, and Culture; Abdullahi Muhammad, Commissioner for Health; and Muhammad Yahaya, Permanent Secretary of Establishment and Service Matters.
This development comes after President Bola Tinubu signed a new minimum wage bill into law in July 2024, raising the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000. In September 2024, the Federal Government also approved an upward review of the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), raising expectations across the country.
Governor Namadi’s decision to suspend Ado signals a cautious approach while awaiting the committee’s recommendations. The government emphasized that any decision on the new minimum wage would be based on the committee’s findings.
The situation has sparked mixed reactions among Jigawa workers. Some labor representatives expressed disappointment over the suspension, viewing it as a setback for wage expectations, while others defended the governor’s decision, advocating for a careful, sustainable approach.
“It is unfortunate that the premature announcement caused confusion, but we must allow the committee to complete its work,” a state worker commented anonymously. “The new wage law is a positive step for all Nigerian workers, but proper implementation is key to ensuring sustainability.”
The committee’s findings are expected to clarify the circumstances and guide the government’s decision on the new minimum wage in Jigawa State.
