By: Our Correspondent
MAIDUGURI, North-East, Nigeria – Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Thursday inaugurated a multi-stakeholders committee to work out measures and advise the government on the new national minimum wage for workers in the state.
The 22-man commitee drawn from the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), the Trade Union, former heads of service and government officials, is to work with all stakeholders, consider the financial capacity of the state, the need of workers and make recommendations to the government.
The committee was given the following terms of reference:
“To analyse the current consequential salary adjustment at the federal level and determine the extent to which it can be applied in totality or partially in the state.
“To use the consequential adjustment at the federal level as a guide in order to arrive at a reasonable salary adjustment, based on the specific peculiarities of the state.
“To determine the appropriate percentage ratio to be added to the current salary system proportionate to the existing salary grade levels.
“To visit other states and obtain their new salary scale/table for guidance.
“Any other matter relevant to the above terms of reference.”
Zulum said his administration is focused on the creation of a conducive working environment and better conditions of service for all civil servants.
“Our expectations from the civil service cannot be realised except when the civil servants are well motivated to put in their best in the performance of their functions.
“Therefore, this administration completely endorses the implementation of the minimum wage for its civil servants,” he assured.
The Governor expressed his appreciation to the organised labour for maintaining excellent relationship with Government.
He further informed that his desire to re-shape the public sector and create an institutional framework for basic service delivery to address the high public expectations and strengthen the confidence of the people on the system cannot be overlemphasised.
According to him, this is what informed his decision to kick-start reform initiatives that brings about change in leadership of the civil service.
He reiterated his pledge to reengineer the public sector to robust and vibrant bureaucracy, to ensure an effective socio-economic development in the state.
“As we all know, the provision of social services is the foundation of the state’s obligation to its people, and there is no two ways about that.
“A vibrant and robust public sector is required to spearhead our development initiatives encapsulated in the 10-pact agenda,” Zulum added.