The Association of Zamfara North Youth Concerned Citizens (AZNYCC) has urged the Zamfara State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to fully adhere to the national directive for strike action, accusing Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration of mismanaging public funds and neglecting workers’ welfare.
In a statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Bashir Aliyu Zurmi, AZNYCC raised concerns over the state’s financial transparency.
Zurmi claimed that Zamfara State receives a monthly allocation of ₦9.88 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), while its monthly wage bill and allowances total ₦2.18 billion. He questioned the utilisation of the remaining funds, stating, “Where is the money going?”
Similarly, the 14 local government councils in Zamfara collectively receive ₦8.19 billion monthly from FAAC.
However, their wage bill, as reported by the Dauda administration, is just ₦256.5 million.
The group alleged that the surplus funds are unaccounted for, accusing the governor of failing to prioritise the welfare of civil servants.
Civil servants in the state are reportedly grappling with half salaries and the non-implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, which was enacted under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This comes despite an increase in federal allocations following the removal of fuel subsidies.
AZNYCC criticised Governor Lawal’s perceived reluctance to implement the wage increase, stating that while previous administrations, including that of former Governor Bello Matawalle, promptly enforced the ₦30,000 minimum wage, the current administration has shown no such commitment.
Last month, Governor Lawal announced the formation of a committee to review and implement the new wage policy. However, Zurmi dismissed the move as insincere. “This is mere eye service,” the AZNYCC statement read.
“Why delay a policy that has already been passed into law?”
The group highlighted the dire situation faced by Zamfara’s civil servants, many of whom struggle to meet basic needs due to irregular salary payments.
” It emphasised that timely payment of wages is crucial for economic stability and social welfare in the state.
The group accused Governor Lawal of prioritising personal luxuries over public service, eroding public trust in his leadership.
The group called on the Zamfara NLC to remain steadfast and unyielding in its demands for better governance.
“The union must stand firm and prioritise the interests of civil servants over political considerations,” the statement said.