Sokoto can afford ₦150,000 minimum wage — Dasuki

A member of the House of Representatives representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency, Abdussamad Dasuki, has said Sokoto State has the financial capacity to pay civil servants a minimum wage of ₦150,000 if federal allocations are properly managed.

Dasuki stated this while receiving a delegation of retired civil servants from Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency led by Sani Mode Dagon Daji during a courtesy visit.

The delegation visited the lawmaker to appreciate the inclusion of an earth dam project for Dogon Daji town in the federal budget.

Speaking during the meeting, Dasuki said Sokoto State had witnessed a significant rise in federal allocations over the past three years, especially from the last quarter of 2023, creating opportunities for major improvements in governance and public welfare.

According to him, the current revenue profile of the state is enough to support better salaries for workers while also addressing challenges in healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure and rural development.

“The current financial inflow to Sokoto State is enough to support the payment of a reasonable minimum wage of ₦150,000 monthly for civil servants, while also addressing major challenges in healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture and rural development through prudent allocation and responsible management of resources,” he said.

The lawmaker stressed that workers deserved improved welfare considering rising living costs and their contributions to governance and development.

He also called for better pensions and retirement benefits for retired civil servants, describing them as individuals who devoted their productive years to public service.

Dasuki expressed concern over socio-economic challenges facing the state, including poverty, poor healthcare services, insecurity and the growing number of out-of-school children.

He urged retired civil servants to remain actively involved in civic engagement and the democratic process ahead of the 2027 elections.

“As respected elders and opinion leaders in society, your voices and choices matter. The future of Sokoto State depends on electing leaders who possess competence, accountability and genuine concern for the welfare of the people,” he added.

The lawmaker also announced empowerment programmes for youths in the constituency, directing the delegation to submit 350 names for participation in an ICT and entrepreneurship training initiative supported by the National Information Technology Development Agency.

He further disclosed plans to distribute laptops to 70 students from the constituency studying in tertiary institutions to support digital literacy and education.

Dasuki reaffirmed his commitment to attracting projects that would improve the lives of constituents, noting that the Dogon Daji earth dam project was aimed at boosting agriculture, water supply and rural economic development.

Members of the delegation commended the lawmaker for his representation and developmental projects, particularly the inclusion of the earth dam project in the federal budget, which they described as beneficial to Dogon Daji and neighbouring communities.