The implementation of the newly approved ₦71,000 minimum wage by the Kano State Government was expected to bring relief to workers struggling with the rising cost of living. However, for employees of the Kano State Investment and Properties (KSIP) and the Kano State Water Board, the reality has been starkly different.
Despite a directive by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, many workers claim they have yet to receive the new salary adjustments, leading to growing frustration and demands for accountability. Allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of power, and favouritism have also surfaced, further complicating the wage crisis in the state. Hussaini Kafi in Kano reports on the situation
KSIP Workers Cry Foul over Wage Exclusion
Employees of KSIP have raised alarm over their continued exclusion from the newly approved ₦71,000 minimum wage, despite the state government’s directive for its implementation across all sectors. While the policy was expected to take effect in November 2024, KSIP staff say they have not seen any salary adjustments, compounding their financial difficulties amid the country’s worsening inflation.
Their frustration is further fuelled by allegations that KSIP Managing Director, Auwalu Muktari Bichi, has already adjusted his own salary in line with the new wage but failed to extend the same benefit to the rest of the workers. This revelation though yet to be confirmed has sparked outrage among the employees, with many questioning the fairness and transparency of the wage implementation process.
An anonymous source within KSIP had alleged that Bichi has enriched himself and his family with multiple plots of land under the company’s management.
The source further queried Bachi’s claims that the budget for the new wage has not been approved, but he managed to adjust his own salary.
“KSIP operates corporately, and we work five days a week like every other government agency. Why are we being denied what the governor has approved for all civil servants?” the source asked.
Allegations of Intimidation and Nepotism
Beyond the wage issue, several staff members have accused Bichi of using threats and intimidation to silence dissent within the company. One employee alleged that the recent dismissal of the former General Manager of Operations was orchestrated by Bichi as a means of consolidating his control.
“The case was not properly investigated, and the official was unjustly removed from office,” the employee claimed.
Furthermore, allegations have emerged that Bichi has involved his family in the day-to-day operations of KSIP, leading to concerns about nepotism and mismanagement.
“There is an urgent need for a thorough investigation by the state’s anti-graft agency and the supervising ministry to curb potential abuse of power. If this is ignored, it could undermine public trust in the administration,” another KSIP employee warned.
Meanwhile, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had earlier received a report from the State Minimum Wage Committee, tasked with reviewing and recommending adjustments to the wage structure. However, no official statement has been made regarding its implementation at KSIP.
All efforts to speak with the KSIP Managing Director, Shehu Wada Sagagi, for his comment proved abortive as he neither picked up calls nor responded to the message sent to him. As an evidence, one of the text messages by this reporter reads: “Salam, good afternoon. My name is Hussaini Ibrahim, a correspondent with AHR in Kano. I would like to request a phone interview of no more than five minutes regarding the strike of your staff. Thank you”.
Water Board Workers Protest Wage Exclusion
The grievances of KSIP staff mirror those of the Kano State Water Board employees, who have embarked on an indefinite strike over their exclusion from the ₦70,000 minimum wage implementation.
Africa Health Report observed that workers took to the streets and conducted Alqunut (special supplication) prayers, on Wednesday, February 26, demanding the immediate approval of the new wage and the confirmation of casual employees, many of whom have worked for over ten years on ₦10,000 salaries.
For many Water Board workers, the situation has pushed them into severe financial distress, forcing some to take desperate measures.
One protesting worker, Umar Sani, narrated his ordeal to Africa Health Report:
“I have worked for 12 years as a casual staff member, earning ₦10,000 monthly. My rent is ₦5,000, my transportation cost is almost ₦3,000, and I still have a family to feed. The prices of food, medicine, and school fees have skyrocketed, yet we are treated as if we don’t exist.”
Another worker, Mariam Ibrahim, broke down in tears while speaking to Africa Health Report:
“I lost my child last year because I couldn’t afford proper medical care. My husband is also a casual worker, and we survive by borrowing money every month. If the government doesn’t listen to us, I don’t know how we will continue to live.”
Attempts to contact Water Board Managing Director, Mallam Garba Ahmed Bichi, for comments proved unsuccessful. However, a credible source revealed that the state Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Haruna Doguwa, held a closed-door meeting with the striking workers.
During the meeting, Doguwa reportedly cited the Water Board’s poor revenue performance as a reason for the delay and disclosed that over 160 ghost workers had been uncovered. He then posed a critical question to the workers:
“Would you agree to the dismissal of these ghost workers so that the recovered funds can be used to pay the minimum wage?”
Labor Union Reacts, Calls for Immediate Action
The Kano State Water Board Labor Union has strongly condemned the exclusion of its members from the new minimum wage implementation, insisting that the government must act swiftly.
Speaking to Africa Health Report, Chairman Usman Haruna stated:
“Our members are suffering while others in the civil service are enjoying the benefits of the new wage. It is unfair that workers who ensure the supply of clean water to Kano residents are treated with such neglect.”
He added that the union will continue the strike until all affected employees receive their rightful wages.
“We are not asking for anything extra. We only want what the governor himself has approved. The government should stop making excuses and pay our members their rightful salaries.”
Government’s Silence Raises Concerns
As tensions rise, KSIP and Water Board employees are demanding immediate government intervention to ensure fair implementation of the wage increase. If the government fails to act, analysts warn that the credibility of the administration’s wage policy could be called to question, affecting labour relations and public confidence in governance.
A financial analyst, Dr. Sulaiman Ibrahim, told Africa Health Report that the government must act swiftly to address workers’ concerns before the situation escalates further.
“The delay in implementing the minimum wage for some sectors while others benefit is creating an unhealthy work environment. The government should ensure fairness and transparency in wage disbursement to avoid unrest,” Dr. Ibrahim advised.
For now, both KSIP and Water Board workers have vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met.
