The Association of Zamfara North Youth Concerned Citizens (AZNYCC) has called on the Zamfara State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to comply fully with the national directive for a strike.
The group accused Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration of financial mismanagement and neglecting workers’ welfare.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Bashir Aliyu Zurmi, AZNYCC questioned the state government’s financial transparency.
Zurmi alleged that Zamfara receives ₦9.88 billion monthly from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), with a wage bill and allowances totaling ₦2.18 billion. He said, “Where is the money going?”
Zurmi further claimed that Zamfara’s 14 local government councils collectively receive ₦8.19 billion monthly from FAAC, while their reported wage bill is only ₦256.5 million. The group alleged that the surplus funds are unaccounted for, accusing Governor Lawal of neglecting civil servants’ welfare.
Workers in the state reportedly endure half salaries and the non-implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, despite increased federal allocations following the removal of fuel subsidies. AZNYCC criticized Governor Lawal for what it described as a lack of commitment to workers’ rights, contrasting his approach with that of former Governor Bello Matawalle, who implemented the ₦30,000 minimum wage without delay.
Last month, Governor Lawal announced the formation of a committee to review and implement the new wage policy, but Zurmi dismissed this as “mere eye service.” The statement questioned the delay, asking, “Why delay a policy that has already been passed into law?”
Highlighting the challenges faced by civil servants, AZNYCC noted that irregular salary payments have left many struggling to meet basic needs. The group emphasized that timely payment of wages is critical for the state’s economic stability and social welfare.
The association also accused Governor Lawal of prioritizing personal luxuries over public service, which they said has eroded public trust in his administration.
Calling on the NLC to remain steadfast in its demands for better governance, AZNYCC urged the union to “stand firm and prioritize the interests of civil servants over political considerations.”
