The Nigeria Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Kwara, Abdulmumin Ajia, has pledged a minimum wage of N120,000 for workers.

Mr Ajia said this on Sunday in Ilorin while unveiling the NDC’s 2027 governorship campaign council manifesto, tagged ‘Forward Kwara Agenda’. He proposed a N120,000 public-service minimum wage benchmark and a cost-of-living adjustment framework for workers and pensioners.

He said his administration would verify the payroll, assess the financial implications, consult labour unions and publish an implementation and funding timetable.

Mr Ajia promised to verify outstanding gratuities and publish a schedule for settling validated arrears. He also pledged to establish a predictable payment timetable for newly due pension obligations.

Mr Ajia said he entered the governorship race to make public institutions work reliably for all Kwarans, regardless of political affiliation.

“I am running to make public institutions work that way. If entrusted with office, I will serve people who support me, people who oppose me and people who have never attended a political meeting,” he said.

He said his experience as a teacher, researcher and university administrator had taught him to ask critical questions, examine evidence and take responsibility for results.

Mr Ajia said his visits home exposed him to the challenges unemployed graduates face. He said many young people could hardly predict when fair employment opportunities would become available. According to him, the government has a responsibility to ensure that citizens understand how to access assistance, eligibility requirements and appeal procedures.

Mr Ajia said access to public services should not depend on personal relationships with the governor. He said the Forward Kwara Agenda outlined six areas of governance, anchored on stronger institutions, greater opportunities and shared prosperity.

He said farmers should access their farms, children should travel safely to school and traders should return home safely from markets.

(NAN)