The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Yobe State Council, has demanded the full implementation of the ₦70,000 National Minimum Wage for all primary school teachers, primary healthcare workers, and local government staff in the state.
Presenting a memorandum at the NLC/TUC Joint May Day Rally 2026 in Damaturu, NLC Chairman, Comrade Muktar Musa Tarbutu, said the current uneven implementation, where only state civil servants enjoy the new wage, is fuelling economic hardship, draining workers’ morale, and worsening insecurity and poverty across Yobe State.
Speaking under this year’s theme, “Insecurity and Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” Tarbutu cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which makes the security and welfare of citizens the primary purpose of government.
While commending the state government’s past cooperation, the labour leader presented a list of urgent demands, including full minimum wage coverage for all local government staff, teachers, and primary healthcare workers, as well as the restoration of 100 per cent overhead costs, which he said had been slashed by 50 per cent.
“Others are: a 100 per cent upward review of furniture allowance; reinstatement of annual leave grant and increment; implementation of the CONPASS salary structure for Fire Service and Road Traffic Agency staff; creation of a Director of Labour office and appointment of an Adviser on Labour Matters; upward review to CONHESS for health workers and reversal of the two-level drop; as well as agricultural training and the provision of modern tools for food security and internal revenue generation,” Tarbutu said.
The Yobe NLC chairman warned that failure to address the wage imbalance between state and local government workers would continue to deepen poverty, insecurity, and low productivity.
He, however, expressed confidence that Governor Mai Mala Buni would act in the interest of workers’ welfare and the state’s progress.
Organised labour also reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the government for positive development and efficient service delivery.
Receiving the NLC memorandum, the Yobe State Head of Service, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office (PSO), Hamidu Musa Babi, assured the workers that their message would be conveyed to the Head of Service, who would, in turn, forward it to Governor Mai Mala Buni for necessary action.
