In 2025, Adamawa State emerged as one of the first few states in Nigeria to fully adopt and implement the revised national minimum wage of ₦70,000 for civil servants. This development followed closely after the Federal Government announced a new wage structure aimed at cushioning the economic hardships brought about by inflation, rising living costs, and fuel subsidy removal. For civil servants in Adamawa State, this wage increase has brought a mixture of relief, appreciation, and new expectations—especially among workers in state ministries and agencies.
This blog post takes an in-depth look at the current minimum wage structure in Adamawa State as of 2025, the state government's role in implementing it, civil servants' responses, and the unresolved challenges that persist in the public sector.
Background: Nigeria’s National Minimum Wage Reforms
The push to revise Nigeria’s national minimum wage began in earnest in early 2024 when organized labor unions across the country intensified calls for a wage increase from the outdated ₦30,000. The agitation gained momentum due to the growing inflationary pressures, which had significantly eroded the purchasing power of the average Nigerian worker. After months of negotiation, strikes, and heated debate, President Bola Tinubu signed into law a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 in July 2024.
States were given the mandate to implement the wage in alignment with their fiscal capacity, and this led to varied responses across the country. While some states pleaded for more time to restructure their finances, Adamawa State took immediate steps toward full implementation.
Governor Fintiri’s Proactive Leadership
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri officially approved the new minimum wage on August 19, 2024. His administration demonstrated strong political will and financial prudence in prioritizing worker welfare. This decision was met with widespread praise from labor leaders and civil servants alike.
In his public address, Governor Fintiri reiterated his commitment to the well-being of state employees, noting that the wage review was not only necessary but also overdue. “Our civil servants are the backbone of the administration. They deserve this and even more,” he declared.
The decision reflected a high level of fiscal discipline and planning by the Fintiri-led administration, which had been preparing for the possibility of a new wage benchmark even before it was nationally mandated.
Implementation Timeline and Framework
Implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage in Adamawa State followed a two-phase approach:
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State Government Workers:
The new wage structure was first applied to civil servants in state ministries and parastatals starting in August 2024. Payment was made using the 2019 consequential adjustment template, ensuring that the new minimum wage was implemented across all relevant grades and steps. This template offered a standard framework for adjusting salaries based on existing wage structures while awaiting official guidelines from the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission. -
Local Government Workers:
Employees under local government administrations began receiving the revised minimum wage by September 2024. The state government ensured that this group, which often faces implementation delays, was not left out.
This phased implementation allowed the state to smoothly manage its finances while gradually incorporating all public sector workers under the new wage policy.
Workers’ Reactions and Public Sentiment
The general response from civil servants in Adamawa State was overwhelmingly positive. Workers from different sectors expressed gratitude to the state government for taking decisive action.
Saliyatu Mohammad, an administrative officer in the Ministry of Land and Survey, shared her delight: “This salary increase will make a real difference in our lives. We now feel seen and appreciated by the government.”
The increase from ₦32,000 to ₦70,000 meant many workers saw their earnings more than double. This enabled them to better manage household expenses, pay for their children's school fees, and cover transport costs amidst the country’s economic challenges.
Labor unions in the state also applauded the move. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued joint statements commending Governor Fintiri’s responsiveness and calling on other state governments to follow Adamawa’s example.
Unresolved Issues: The Case of Tertiary Institution Workers
Despite the overall success of the implementation, not all civil servants in Adamawa State have benefited from the new wage increase. Workers in tertiary institutions such as colleges of education, polytechnics, and state universities were left out of the first phase of implementation.
In March 2025, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of academic and non-academic staff unions from these institutions declared an indefinite strike. Their key grievance was the exclusion of tertiary institution workers from the new wage structure.
In a press briefing, the JAC expressed frustration over the perceived discrimination: “We are part of the state workforce. It is unacceptable that our colleagues in ministries are receiving ₦70,000 while we are left behind.”
This development has led to the shutdown of several institutions in the state, causing disruptions in academic calendars and raising concerns among parents, students, and education stakeholders.
The state government acknowledged the issue and indicated that plans were underway to address it. However, the timeline for resolution remained unclear as of May 2025.
Budgetary Considerations and Economic Impact
One of the notable aspects of Adamawa’s wage implementation is the state’s ability to accommodate the new salary structure without defaulting on other obligations. According to financial analysts, the state government had embarked on internal revenue reforms and improved transparency measures over the last two years, which helped create fiscal space for the wage review.
While concerns about long-term sustainability persist, especially if federal allocations decline, the state’s current financial management appears stable. The administration has also emphasized its commitment to maintaining regular payment schedules and ensuring that no worker is left behind.
Economically, the wage increase has stimulated local markets, with civil servants spending more on food, transportation, and household items. Small businesses around government offices have reported increased patronage, leading to a mild economic boost in urban centers like Yola and Mubi.
Conclusion
The adoption of the ₦70,000 minimum wage in Adamawa State stands as a landmark achievement in Nigeria's public sector labor landscape in 2025. The proactive steps taken by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and his administration reflect a deep commitment to social equity and worker welfare.
While the state has made commendable progress, challenges remain—particularly the inclusion of tertiary institution workers and ensuring long-term sustainability. Nevertheless, Adamawa State's example demonstrates that with proper planning, political will, and transparency, improving workers' lives is not only possible but practical.
As other states watch closely, Adamawa continues to set a standard in labor relations and governance. For civil servants in the state, the 2025 minimum wage increase is more than just a raise—it’s a symbol of dignity, respect, and recognition.
