Autonomy: Nasarawa State Abolishes Joint Account System with Local Governments, Implements N70,000 Minimum Wage

In a landmark decision aligning with the Supreme Court’s push for financial autonomy, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has officially ended the joint account system that previously connected state finances with the 13 local government areas. This move aims to grant local governments greater fiscal independence and enhance local development efforts.

The announcement was made by Mr. Peter Ahemba, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the Governor, in a media briefing in Lafia. Ahemba highlighted that this decision reflects the Sule administration’s commitment to lawfulness and transparency. “The governor is one of the most accountable and transparent leaders in the country who believes in the rule of law and has nothing to hide,” Ahemba remarked, underscoring that the abolition of the joint account system aligns with Governor Sule’s vision for a more accountable governance structure.

As part of the state’s commitment to economic reforms and worker welfare, the Sule administration also confirmed that it will implement the new N70,000 minimum wage recently passed by the Federal Government. Ahemba revealed that while Governor Sule had initially been prepared to adopt the new wage since August, negotiations with organized labor over promotions took precedence. With those promotions now enacted, the state government is ready to proceed with discussions and implementation of the revised minimum wage.

The media aide reassured citizens that the state government is devoted to enhancing local welfare through quality infrastructure and is also prioritizing substantial investments in agriculture to address hunger and poverty across Nasarawa.