Local government workers across Borno State on Friday staged a protest over the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage by the state government.

The protest, held in Maiduguri, the state capital, was organised by the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress as part of activities marking this year’s International Workers’ Day.

Addressing journalists, the state NLC Chairman, Yusuf Inuwa, said local government workers were among the hardest hit by the current economic challenges.

He explained that the decision to protest on the streets was meant to highlight the hardship faced by workers amid rising inflation and the cost of living.

Inuwa noted that the N70,000 minimum wage was agreed upon at the national level and should be implemented across all states.

He, however, acknowledged that the state government had implemented the wage for primary school teachers and healthcare workers but expressed concern that local government staff had been excluded.

According to him, the continued delay has worsened the financial situation of affected workers, many of whom struggle to meet basic needs.

He stressed that the labour unions would continue to push for full implementation, insisting that all categories of workers deserve equal treatment.

The state government had earlier attributed the delay to the large workforce at the local government level, which it said has complicated payroll management.

Officials disclosed that the 27 local government areas in the state employ about 90,000 workers, creating financial pressure on available resources.

Despite the explanation, the protesters maintained that the delay is unacceptable and called for immediate action to address their demands.