Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has constituted a committee to investigate the partial implementation of the ₦75,000 minimum wage for primary school teachers across the state.
The decision followed widespread complaints from teachers who alleged that their salaries had only been adjusted rather than fully aligned with the newly approved minimum wage structure.
Governor Idris announced the committee’s formation shortly after an expanded meeting with education stakeholders, including local government chairmen, education secretaries, directors of finance, headmasters, and teachers from the state’s 21 local government areas.
The meeting was convened to address lingering concerns over the implementation of the ₦75,000 minimum wage for primary school teachers. During the session, the governor first gave aggrieved teachers the opportunity to present their grievances before inviting local government chairmen and education officials to explain the salary structure before and after the wage increase.
In their submissions, the local government chairmen and education secretaries attributed the discrepancies to the previous administration’s failure to fully implement the ₦30,000 minimum wage and the accompanying grade-level adjustments. They explained that when the ₦75,000 minimum wage was introduced, salary adjustments were made to address existing disparities, thereby reducing the visible impact of the new wage on some teachers’ earnings.
After listening to all parties, Governor Idris assured the teachers that his administration would thoroughly investigate the matter and resolve any identified challenges. He disclosed that a committee headed by a respected educationist and a person of proven integrity would be inaugurated and given 30 days to submit its report.
The governor pledged to implement the committee’s recommendations upon completion of its assignment.
Reaffirming his commitment to teachers’ welfare, Idris announced plans to introduce car, motorcycle, and housing loan schemes aimed at improving the living conditions of teachers across the state.
“This government belongs to you because I am one of you. I am still a teacher, and it was your support and votes that brought me to this position. I will not allow anyone to cheat you,” the governor said.
“We are also working on programmes that will provide teachers with car loans, motorcycle loans and housing loans so that they can enjoy a greater sense of belonging and improve their living conditions,” he added.
Meanwhile, Governor Idris has distributed motorcycles to 225 councillors as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots governance. He said the motorcycles would enhance the councillors’ mobility and enable them to effectively reach every part of their wards, thereby improving engagement with the people they represent.
