Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
The Borno State government is under intense scrutiny over its alleged failure to fully implement the ₦30,000 national minimum wage for local government workers, despite federal approval of the wage since 2019. This has sparked widespread discontent and accusations of neglect and exploitation.
Thousands of local government employees across the state claim they continue to earn significantly below the mandated amount, with some reportedly receiving as little as ₦15,000 monthly. In more extreme cases, workers allege they are still being paid ₦10,000—well below even the old ₦18,000 minimum wage.
The state government, however, attributes the delay in full implementation to financial constraints and an over-bloated workforce at the local level. But critics argue that such reasons are insufficient, especially in light of reports that state-level workers in Borno already enjoy the full minimum wage. This, they say, has created a discriminatory two-tier wage system within the same state.
Local government staff have voiced their frustration publicly, calling on the administration of Governor Babagana Zulum to address the long-standing issue without further delay.
“The government is not serious,” said Mohammed Babagana, a local worker who revealed he still earns ₦10,000 a month. “Forget about the ₦70,000 wage; are we even enjoying the ₦30,000 minimum wage? Let me tell you, even the ₦18,000 is still not implemented in some LGAs. They’re just doing propaganda.”
Another worker, Umar Waka from Biu, lamented: “We have waited since October last year. Verification has been conducted since 2020. Teachers were lucky—they got the minimum wage. We are still waiting.”
Social media reactions further highlighted the growing tension. A user identifying as Borno Best from Bayo LGA pleaded in a Facebook comment for the governor to implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage to alleviate the economic hardship faced by workers.
Yusuf Bwala added: “The government has the means to pay us. Saying we’re overstaffed is not a justification. We deserve to benefit from the removal of fuel subsidies, just like everyone else.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in the state commended Governor Zulum’s broader efforts in implementing wage reforms but admitted that many local government employees are yet to feel the impact.
With inflation rising and economic hardship worsening, pressure is mounting on the Borno State government to address the wage disparity. Many fear that continued delays could deepen inequality and derail recovery efforts in a region still grappling with the aftershocks of insurgency.
For now, local government workers wait—frustrated, underpaid, and increasingly vocal.