Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has approved the release of ₦5 billion in June to offset outstanding gratuities owed to retirees in the state.
The governor made the announcement on Thursday while receiving leaders of the Organised Labour during an appreciation visit at the Government House, Yola.
Fintiri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, describing the civil service as the backbone of government performance and progress.
He said although the implementation of the new minimum wage initially faced financial constraints, the salary increase has now been fully effected for both state and local government workers.
The governor also addressed concerns over the exclusion of 11 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) from the revised wage structure, attributing the delay to outdated salary laws.
He assured that once the Adamawa State House of Assembly repeals the existing regulation, the harmonisation of the wage structure would be immediate.
“We remain committed to timely payment of leave grants, gratuities and entitlements, despite distractions from political critics,” Fintiri said.
He praised the existing partnership with labour unions, noting that sustained cooperation was essential for a prosperous Adamawa.
In his remarks, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Fashe, commended the governor for his worker-friendly policies.
He lauded the implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage without industrial action or prolonged negotiation, describing Fintiri as a pro-labour leader and visionary builder of modern Adamawa.
However, the labour leader raised concerns over salary irregularities in some MDAs and tertiary institutions, as well as the unresolved challenges faced by retired senior citizens.
Fashe urged the governor to address the lingering issues to maintain industrial harmony across the state.
