Coronavirus: Government Suspends N30,000 Minimum Wage, Cuts Political Appointees’ Salaries

The Gombe State Government has suspended payment of the N30,000 minimum wage following dwindling finances due to the effect of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the economy.

Mr. Manassah Jatau, the state Deputy Governor, disclosed this to newsmen at a press briefing on Saturday in Gombe, NAN reports.

He said that the decision was taken after consultation with the standing committee on minimum wage and relevant stakeholders.

According to him, the new minimum wage suspension is with effect from March 2020.

“The minimum wage increment and its consequential adjustments adopted by the state have been suspended until when the economy of the state improves.

“The Ministry of Finance is to review the 2020 budget to reflect the reduction in the price of oil in the international market and subsequent adoption of 30 dollars per barrel benchmark by the Federal Government.

“In view of the above, all salaries of political office holders and Permanent Secretaries will be reviewed accordingly as a sacrifice to the state”, the deputy governor said.

Mr Mohammed Musa, the state Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on civil servants to remain calm and appreciate the current situation, the state government had found itself.

“At the last federation allocation, Gombe State lost N800 million from its allocation due to the dwindling oil price at the international market,’’ Musa said.

Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 currently stands at 81, according to NCDC.

While one death has been recorded, three patients have so far recovered and discharged.