The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Council, has called on the Niger State Government to expedite the implementation of the approved ₦70,000 National Minimum Wage for its civil servants.
This appeal was made during the inaugural congress meeting of the second term of the Abu Nmodu-led State Working Committee, held recently at the IBB Pen House, Minna.
In a communiqué released at the end of the meeting, the Congress commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his apparent intention to pay the new minimum wage, the prompt payment of salaries, and the ongoing settlement of pensioners' gratuities. They urged him to sustain these efforts for the benefit of the people.
However, the Congress emphasised the need to fast-track the processes for the payment of the already approved new minimum wage to workers, considering the current economic hardships they face. They noted that this would significantly address some of the challenges confronting the workers.
The Congress also expressed concern over the resurgence of urban crime in Minnesota, the state capital, and other major towns. They called on the police and other security agencies to take proactive measures to reduce the menace, particularly among underage children involved in house break-ins and snatching bags and phones at night.
Additionally, the union urged the state government and security agencies to address the issues caused by illegal artisanal miners, especially at the M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate in Minna and parts of Chanchaga Local Government Area. They stressed the need for consistent surveillance at identified flashpoints to safeguard lives and properties.
On the state of the union, the council chairman, Comrade Abu Nmodu, expressed his profound gratitude to all union members for their unwavering support over the past three years. He promised to continue improving the welfare of members and urged them to remain committed to union activities to reap the benefits of his leadership. He warned that only committed members would be considered for any special benefits of the union.
The chairman also called on chapel leaders whose tenures had expired to commence the election process for new executives within two weeks or risk dissolution by the council leadership. He reminded members who had yet to pay their professional fees of ₦5,000 to do so to be eligible for the new union identity card.
Comrade Abu Nmodu also informed members about the forthcoming National Delegates Conference of the union, scheduled for November 2024 in Owerri, the Imo State capital. He mentioned that the Niger State Council was making arrangements to present a candidate for the position of zonal secretary and that consultations with stakeholders from the states that make up the zone were ongoing.