Workers celebrate as Nigerian Governors declare salary increment

Widespread celebrations erupted across several states in Nigeria following the announcement by governors of a salary increment for their employees.

On May 1, 2024, during the Workers Day festivities at Pa Oruta Ngele Stadium in Abakaliki, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State declared an increment of N10,000 to the monthly earnings of state employees.

This pay raise by Governor Nwifuru comes on the heels of a similar increase he instituted shortly after assuming office.

In his Workers Day address, Nwifuru acknowledged the civil servants as key contributors to development.

He pledged his government's commitment to maintaining a conducive work atmosphere and fostering industrial peace, which he believes are essential for enhancing the workforce's efficiency and promoting effective governance.

Simultaneously, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State proclaimed a new minimum wage of N40,000 for state workers, asserting that this adjustment would alleviate the prevailing economic difficulties.

He made this statement while attending the Workers Day event at the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

Governor Otu emphasized the importance of prioritizing employee salaries and pensions, despite acknowledging that the industrial contribution of workers stands at a mere 5 percent.

He rationalized the wage increase by referencing the unique financial constraints of Cross River State, marked by a modest Federal Allocation and a challenging ratio of State GDP to debt service.

The governors' decisions have sparked a flurry of reactions from Nigerians on various social media platforms.