The Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Mr. John Gabaya, has assured staff that his administration is committed to implementing the new N70,000 minimum wage once funds become available.
Gabaya gave the assurance on Thursday during the inauguration of the newly renovated Local Education Authority (LEA) Secretariat in Bwari, Abuja.
“We successfully cleared salary arrears from 2010 to 2021, and we will continue to work towards settling the outstanding ones,” he said.
“We have a duty to serve our people, and we cannot shirk that responsibility. Regarding the new minimum wage, you cannot give what you don’t have. However, we have made a commitment to begin implementation once the council’s finances permit.”
He commended the harmonious relationship between the local chapters of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), praising their cooperation with the council.
Gabaya also appreciated the support of various stakeholders and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to efficient service delivery. He urged council workers to remain patient, noting that their welfare remains a top priority.
Speaking on the LEA Secretariat’s renovation, the chairman said the upgrade was aimed at improving the working environment and boosting staff productivity. He revealed that additional upgrades, including landscaping, the drilling of a borehole for potable water, and office furnishing, would begin immediately.
Earlier, the Education Secretary, Mr. Tanko Isuwa, recalled that the complex had not undergone any renovation since the Secretariat moved there in 2004 and had fallen into a state of disrepair.
He expressed gratitude to the council for responding to the department’s request and said the improvements would inspire staff to perform better. He, however, appealed for the provision of clean water to enhance hygiene and sanitation.
The event was attended by staff members, political appointees, and members of the legislative council.
