Minna: The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in Niger has called upon the state government to increase the salaries of its members, citing the hazardous nature of their job responsibilities. Speaking at a reception organized to commemorate International Workers Day in Minna, the state Chairman of the union, Usman Abubakar-Dabban, emphasized the need for a pay rise to match the critical role that health workers play in the healthcare system.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abubakar-Dabban advocated for a 150 percent salary increment, which he believes would adequately compensate the health workers for their essential contributions. He praised the governor and the Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, for their efforts in implementing a new minimum wage of N80,000, surpassing the recommendations set by the Federal Government. Abubakar-Dabban also commended the deputy governor for initiating the construction of the union's hall during his tenure as chairman, noting that the facility would soon be inaugurated.
In his address, Abubakar-Dabban urged union members to remain committed to the ethical standards of their profession to ensure they continue to receive the support and welfare improvements they seek from the state government.
Earlier, Aminu Yusuf, the Special Adviser to the Niger governor on Labour Matters, expressed appreciation for the workers' efforts in organizing the reception. He highlighted that Workers Day serves as an opportunity for labor leaders to reflect on their achievements, build upon them, and identify new challenges to address, ultimately paving the way for progress in labor relations.