National President, ALGON, Aminu Muazu Maifata
By Ajegena Manga
Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) says local councils cannot effort to pay the proposed N62, 000 as new minimum wage given their meagre allocation from the federation Account.
Alh Aminu Muazu-Maifata, National President of ALGON stated this in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The representatives of the Federal Government (FG) and the private sector at the tripartite committee for the negotiation of new minimum wage proposed N62, 000, the organised labour came down from N494, 000 to N250, 000.
He explained that the 774 Local Government Councils in the country gets little above 18 per cent from Federation Account monthly which is grossly inadequate to pay N62, 000 minimum wage.
He further said that even if local government executives decides to use the entire monthly allocations for salaries alone, it would still not be enough to implement the new minimum wage.
He said that apart from payment of wages, they still have other responsibilities such as provision of affordable healthcare, education, security issues, traditional institution, rural roads as well as youths and women empowerment among others.
Muazu-Maifata who is the Chairman of Lafia Local Government Area (LGA), however, said that the council Chairmen were in support of wages increments to civil servants.
He explained that civil servants were the engine room of the government and the creators of wealth and deserve better wages.
The ALGON boss appealed for increase in the monthly allocations of the 774 LGAs in the country to enable them pay the proposed minimum wage.
On his blueprint as ALGON President, Muazu-Maifata said that he would work toward ensuring a cordial relationship between them and governors of the 36 states in the country.
“I also want to improve the on existing unity amongst the various LGAs Chairmen and administrations in the country in order to better the lives of our people.
“Unity among LGAs Chairmen will help us compare notes and come up with good policies and programmes to improve governance for the benefits of the people at the grassroots.
“We will also give priority to issues of security at the local level and attract interventions from development partners to our various councils,” Muazu-Maifata added.
The ALGON leader also made a case for amendment of the constitution to make the tenure of office of LGAs officials uniform across the country for smooth administration.
“The tenure of office of LGAs officials should be made four years to enable them deliver on their campaign promises to the electorates.
“The tenure is three years in some states and two years in some other states which is not good for the administration at the area councils,” he added.
He further said that the association would work with other stakeholders to ensure full implementation of the area councils autonomy as enshrined in the country’s constitution.