Kaduna begins payment of ₦72,000 minimum wage – NLC

The Kaduna State Government has commenced payment of the newly approved ₦72,000 minimum wage to civil servants on Grade Levels 1–6, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has confirmed.

State NLC chairman, Ayuba Magaji Suleiman, described the development as a “positive first step” but stressed that the wage must extend to teachers, health workers, local government employees, staff of tertiary institutions, and parastatals.

He explained that the full rollout is tied to the ongoing staff and pension verification exercise, which is expected to conclude by September 2025.

“Workers have endured years of stagnant wages while inflation worsens. The ₦72,000 minimum wage is not a privilege—it is a right.

“Every worker, whether in education, healthcare, or local government, must be included,” Suleiman stated.

He also disclosed that the 23 Local Government Councils in the state are set to begin payments, with structures already in place for disbursement.

In addition, he welcomed government plans to implement new salary structures for health workers under CONMESS and CONHESS.

Suleiman assured that the NLC will maintain pressure until the new wage is fully implemented across all sectors.

“We are in constant dialogue with the government.

“Workers must remain calm and vigilant, but we will not relent until every worker receives their rightful pay,” he vowed.