Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has affirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting a new minimum wage for workers.
Speaking to journalists at the State House on Wednesday after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima in his office, Governor Sule dismissed claims of opposition from state governors.
He clarified that, while he spoke from a personal perspective, the governors as a collective are awaiting the outcome of a committee established by the federal government to address the issue.
Governor Sule emphasised the state’s adherence to the N30,000 minimum wage since 2019, along with the implementation of additional benefits such as promotions and gratuities for workers.
“We’re concerned about the welfare of the workers. In fact, we’re paying some special allowances called hazard allowance, even to our medical workers, as I’m talking to you right now. So I don’t think governors have any problem with the payment of minimum wage,” he said.
He reiterated the governors’ anticipation of the committee’s findings and stressed their cooperation with the federal government on the matter.
Security and investment
Addressing concerns about the security situation in Nasarawa State, Governor Sule reassured the public of the state’s safety for investment and agricultural activities. He cited the successful completion and operation of a lithium factory by foreign investors as evidence of the state’s conducive business environment.
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Infrastructure development
Governor Sule attributed the state’s improved security to infrastructure developments, including the construction of major roads and the establishment of a military super-camp. He highlighted Nasarawa’s achievements in agriculture, ranking first in sesame farming, second in yam and cassava production, and fifth in rice production nationwide.
Acknowledging occasional incidents of kidnapping, Governor Sule underscored the state’s overall safety, particularly in areas hosting oil drilling activities. He encouraged sceptics to verify the state’s agricultural achievements independently.
Meeting with Vice President
Regarding his meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Sule disclosed discussions on the upcoming commissioning of a lithium factory in the state. He expressed optimism about President Bola Tinubu’s attendance at the event and emphasised the significance of agriculture in their deliberations with the Vice President.
“I came to see him for two major issues: we’ve been doing a lot in the area of agriculture, which he has taken upon himself to ensure that things are going well, so he’s been monitoring that on his own. So from time to time, we visit and we discuss on the areas of agriculture which is of great importance to him.
“I came also to discuss about the commissioning of the lithium factory that we’re having on Friday. As you know that this Friday, we’re going to commission a 4000 metric tons per day lithium processing factory, which he has always been interested in knowing the outcome of what is happening.
“So, we came to discuss that and part of the preparations. In fact, we’re hoping Mr President himself will be coming to commission that factory,” he said.
