Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has stated that due to the state’s financial difficulties, it will be challenging to meet the new N70,000 minimum wage recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu following an agreement with labor unions.
Speaking on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting about the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest at the banquet hall of Gombe Government House, Yahaya said, “I cannot pay the N70,000 minimum wage, and I suspect many other states are in the same predicament.”
Yahaya also praised the Federal Government for its initiative to donate rice to the states but expressed concern over the delay in receiving these essential supplies in Gombe.
“We are yet to receive the Federal Government’s 20 trucks of rice to Gombe State,” he noted.
Despite this delay, the governor emphasized the state’s commitment to providing relief to its citizens. He highlighted previous palliative distributions and ongoing investments in human capital development, education, health, and agriculture.
Addressing the protest, Yahaya stressed the importance of peaceful and orderly conduct.
He acknowledged the role of civil society organizations, labor unions, and traders in maintaining social stability and economic resilience.
The governor called for continued cooperation and dialogue to collectively navigate these challenging times.
During the meeting, Yusuf Ibrahim, Chairman of the Gombe Network of Civil Society Organisations, presented a list of demands on behalf of NGOs.
He urged the governor to release the list of stocked palliatives.
