The Yobe State Government has approved the implementation of a weigh-in allowance of 35 per cent for journalists and 20 per cent for non-journalists working in the state’s media and cultural sectors.
The approval was conveyed through the Office of the Head of Service following a joint request by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU).
According to the directive, journalists in the sector will receive 35 per cent of their basic salary as weigh-in allowance, while non-journalists will benefit from 20 per cent of their basic salary.
The government noted that both unions had been enjoying the allowance prior to the implementation of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage, describing the approval as a continuation and formalisation of existing welfare arrangements.
The statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary (Establishments), Mrs Zainab Mohammed Ago, on behalf of the Head of Service, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of media professionals and workers in the arts and culture sector.
The government expressed optimism that the development would boost morale among practitioners and enhance service delivery across the state’s information and cultural institutions.
The approval is also expected to strengthen productivity within government-owned media establishments and cultural agencies across the state.
