Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, on Monday inaugurated a high-powered committee to investigate complaints surrounding the implementation of the new minimum wage and salary payments to primary school teachers across the state.
The committee was inaugurated at the Council Chamber of the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, with a mandate to ascertain the facts behind complaints by some teachers regarding salary placement and the implementation of the new minimum wage.
Governor Idris said the State Government had received complaints, particularly through social media platforms, alleging that some primary school teachers had either not benefited from the new minimum wage or had experienced discrepancies in their salary payments.
The Governor explained that the committee was expanded to include representatives of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), noting that all stakeholders were involved in the process that led to the development and adoption of the salary structure.
According to him, the State Government adopted the labour approved salary table to ensure fairness and eliminate possible grievances from workers.
“I was surprised when I started receiving complaints, especially from primary school teachers. As someone who rose from the primary school sector, I took the matter seriously to determine whether the allegations were genuine or politically motivated,” the Governor stated.
Governor Idris recalled that prior to his administration, primary school teachers and local government workers in the state were not benefiting from the previous N30,000 minimum wage.
He noted that upon assuming office, his administration implemented the outstanding N30,000 minimum wage and subsequently approved and implemented the N75,000 minimum wage.
The Governor further disclosed that the monthly salary bill for teachers increased significantly under his administration, rising from about N586 million to approximately N1.3 billion following the implementation of the new wage structure.
“Government has done what is expected of it. However, in view of the complaints, it is necessary to establish the facts and identify any issues that may have arisen in the implementation process,” he said.
Governor Idris expressed confidence in the committee’s Chairman, Professor Malami Shehu Gulumbe, describing him as a trustworthy and experienced administrator with a proven record in workers’ verification exercises during his tenure as Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Kebbi State.
He directed all relevant government agencies and institutions to make available any records required by the committee to facilitate its assignment, stressing that he has a special interest in the committee’s work and expects a thorough and transparent investigation.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida, announced the composition of the committee.
According to the SSG, the committee is chaired by Professor Malami Shehu Gulumbe, other members include the Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Birnin Kebbi; representatives from the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), NLC, NUT and NULGE, as well as additional representatives of NLC and NUT. The Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs will serve as the secretariat.
The committee’s terms of reference include: identifying the actual grievances of primary school teachers regarding salary payments; determining the level of funds released by local governments to Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) before and after the implementation of the new minimum wage; investigating possible infractions affecting salary payments; identifying individuals responsible for any irregularities; recommending corrective measures; and establishing the actual number of professional and non-professional teachers in the state’s primary school system.
Responding on behalf of the members, the Chairman, Professor Malami Shehu Gulumbe, accepted the responsibility and assured the Governor that the committee would carry out its assignment diligently, objectively and without fear or favour.
He commended Governor Idris for demonstrating commitment to the welfare of teachers and pledged that the committee would work tirelessly to provide recommendations capable of addressing all identified concerns.
Professor Gulumbe also congratulated the Governor on the establishment of the Kebbi State Bureau of Statistics, describing it as a critical institution for evidence-based planning and decision-making. He noted that accurate data and statistics remain essential tools for measuring development and ensuring informed governance.
Signed:
Yahaya Sarki
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor
8/6/2026
