Civil servants in Adamawa State are celebrating after receiving their August salaries, which now reflect the recently approved N70,000 national minimum wage. The implementation of the new wage has drawn widespread jubilation, as workers expressed relief and gratitude for the financial boost.
The payment began on Friday, with many employees receiving their salary alerts early in the day. The increase has brought a significant reduction in financial stress for these workers, who are now eager to improve their standard of living and fulfill personal commitments.
Alhaji Danjuma Usman Mohammed, a driver at the Government House in Yola, shared his excitement about the salary increase. “I’m glad for receiving a N50,000 increase on my monthly salary. The funds will go a long way in alleviating my family’s suffering,” he said. Mohammed revealed that he plans to use the extra income to re-enroll his children in school. This is a commitment he was forced to abandon due to financial difficulties.
Another civil servant, John Yusuf, who works with Adamawa State Television (ATV) Yola, expressed his gratitude for the salary increase and its positive impact on his life. “Governor Fintiri has put a smile on our faces with the new minimum wage implemented,” Yusuf stated. He intends to use his salary increment to buy fertilizer for his farm and stock up on food for his family.
The positive effects of the wage increase were visible across the state, with the Jimeta Ultramodern Market buzzing with activity. Civil servants, newly empowered by their higher earnings, flocked to the market to purchase goods for their families and loved ones.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri had earlier granted approval for the payment of the new minimum wage to state government workers, starting in August 2024. The implementation for local government workers is set to begin in September 2024. Governor Fintiri’s decision has been widely praised, with many workers lauding him for keeping his promise to improve their financial situation.