May Day: Yobe NLC Demands ₦70,000 Minimum Wage for LG Workers, Teachers, Health Staff

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),Yobe State Council, has issued a strong demand for the full implementation of the ₦70,000 National Minimum Wage for all primary school teachers, primary health care workers, and local government staff in the state.

Presenting the 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 fueling economic hardship, draining worker 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 LG staff, teachers, and primary health workers, and restoration of 100% overhead costs (currently slashed by 50%).

"Others are: 100% upward review of furniture allowance, reinstatement of annual leave grant and increment, implementation of 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, agricultural training and modern tools for food security and internal revenue generation," said Tarbutu.

The Yobe NLC chairman warned that failure to address the wage imbalance between state and local government workers will continue to advance 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.

The organized labour 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 of the Public Service Office (PSO) Hamidu Musa Babi, assured them that he would present their message to the Head of Service, who would also forward it for further action to the state Governor, Mai Mala Buni.