Governor Umaru Bago says his administration will not hesitate to implement the N70,000 minimum wage as far as resources are available.

He said this in an interview with journalists after declaring open the 2024 quadrennial state delegate conference of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in Minna on Wednesday.

Mr Bago said the Niger government was waiting for its implementation at the national level.

“The issue of minimum wage is a done deal. We are waiting for it as far as funds are available, we will not hesitate to ensure the implementation in the state,” he said.

He disclosed that the backlog of salaries of health workers had been paid, as well as the ongoing renovation of 100 healthcare facilities for a conducive working environment.

The governor added that his government had consistently paid counterpart funds, adding that the Niger Ministry for Primary Healthcare Development was created to cater for the welfare of health workers.

Mr Bago thanked the union leaders for the mutual relationship with the state government and appealed to them to look inward and continue collaborating with the government.

According to him, workers have the right to agitate for their entitlements, but they should also consider what the government is doing to ensure their welfare.

The governor advised the incoming executives of MHWUN to prioritise members’ interests.

In his address, Abdullahi Erena, the chairman of MHWUN in Niger, said the conference was to elect new leadership that would pilot the affairs of the union for the next four years.

He said the union had faced challenges such as the global pandemic, economic uncertainties, healthcare demands and banditry but had remained committed to providing healthcare services.

Kabir Sani, national president of MHWUN, called on Nigerians to condemn the recent increment in fuel pump price and called on the government to revert it.

He said the union was committed to supporting any lawful action by the organised labour to save workers and Nigerians from the economic challenges.

Idris Lafene, Niger chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, called for unity among unions and condemned the recent increase in fuel pump price and electricity tariffs.

(NAN)