Historic Moment In Sokoto: Civil Servants Receive First New Minimum Wage

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has approved the implementation of a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 for civil servants, effective today, Monday, January 27, 2025.

As part of this move, civil servants in Sokoto will receive the new wage along with their January salaries. A statement from the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Abubakar Bawa, confirmed that the adjustment applies to both state and local government employees across the state.

This wage increase aligns with the recent policy set by the federal government and fulfills a commitment made by Governor Aliyu.

Governor Aliyu has urged civil servants to show their gratitude by demonstrating dedication, punctuality, and professionalism in their work. “With the introduction of the new minimum wage, we expect a renewed focus on hard work and commitment from our civil servants,” he stated.

The governor also promised that salaries would be paid on time, between the 19th and 22nd of each month, ensuring the welfare of workers remains a priority.

Previously, civil servants in Sokoto had experienced delays in salary payments, with some waiting up to 50 days instead of the standard 25 to 30 days. However, since the new administration took office, salaries have been consistently paid on time, and efforts to address outstanding gratuities for retirees are underway.

To clear the backlog of unpaid gratuities, the state government has allocated ₦500 million each month, in addition to ₦300 million for retirees from 2023 onwards. The goal is to ensure no civil servant has outstanding gratuity payments by the end of the administration’s term.