Gombe State Governor Approves N10,000 Transport Allowance for Workers Amid Calls for New Minimum Wage.

Gombe State Governor Approves N10,000 Transport Allowance for Workers Amid Calls for New Minimum Wage.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has announced the approval of a N10,000 transport allowance for state workers as part of measures to alleviate economic challenges. This announcement was made in his 63rd Independence Day message on Sunday. Governor Yahaya also revealed that the state has initiated a food distribution program targeting 400,000 beneficiaries.

In his Independence Day message, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who also serves as the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, disclosed the state's commitment to improving the welfare of its workforce. He stated, "Our administration has already approved N10,000 transport allowance to all workers in the state pending the determination of a new minimum wage." This gesture is seen as a step towards addressing the financial needs of workers while awaiting the finalization of a new minimum wage.

However, it's worth noting that the approved transport allowance of N10,000 falls short of the N35,000 approved by the Federal Government for its workers, a decision attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Nigeria's minimum monthly wage, which was approved in 2019, stands at N30,000. Nevertheless, the country has been grappling with a challenging economic climate, marked by soaring headline inflation, which reached 25.80 percent in August 2023. The removal of fuel subsidies has added to the economic strain, intensifying calls for a new minimum wage to address the increasing cost of living.

Governor Yahaya's decision to provide financial relief to state workers through the transport allowance is seen as a response to these pressing economic challenges. As the state awaits further developments on the minimum wage issue, this allowance aims to ease the financial burdens faced by the workforce.

The move also underscores the commitment of Gombe State's government to address the needs of its citizens and workers amid economic uncertainties. As discussions on a new minimum wage continue, the governor's decision offers immediate support to workers in the state.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya's announcement of a N10,000 transport allowance for Gombe State workers reflects the state government's commitment to supporting its workforce amid calls for a new minimum wage. As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, this decision aims to provide immediate financial relief to state employees while discussions on the minimum wage continue.