The Kano State Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to offer a N20,000 palliative to all state employees.
The MoU aims to alleviate the economic challenges experienced by civil servants in Kano State following the removal of the fuel subsidy on January 1, 2024.
Comrade Mubarak Buba Yarima, Chairman of the TUC Kano chapter, confirmed this development to LEADERSHIP, stressing the pivotal role played by the labour unions in negotiating with the government.
The agreement for the palliative emerged following a joint plea submitted to the Kano State Government in October 2023 by NLC and TUC, seeking intervention amid prevailing economic difficulties.
In response, Governor Yusuf promptly set up a special committee to assess the situation. The committee’s findings led to the consensus that a N20,000 palliative would commence from December 2023 for all civil servants at both state and local government levels.
Yarima added that the financial aid will continue until a comprehensive review of the minimum wage is undertaken within the next six months.
Additionally, pensioners will receive a monthly palliative of N15,000 for three months, along with arrears for the missed December 2023 allowance.
Yarima expressed appreciation to the Kano State Government, especially the governor’s Special Adviser On Labour, Comrade Baffa Sani Gaya, and other committee members for their swift investigation and report submission to the governor.
He stressed the positive impact of this palliative on affected workers, stating, “We believe this will significantly assist many people and enhance workers’ morale.”
Earlier, the labour unions had issued a nationwide strike threat to highlight the challenges encountered by workers after President Bola Tinubu’s fuel subsidy removal.
The successful negotiations and ensuing agreement have averted the impending industrial action. While the federal government had previously announced a salary increase for federal workers, this marks the first increment for state and local government workers.
