Hon. Aminu Muazu Maifata, National Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, (ALGON).
By DANJUMA JOSEPH, Lafia –
The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), has called on the federal government to commence the process of an upward review of federal allocation to the 774 local councils across the country to enable them to pay the proposed 62, 000 Naira National Minimum wage.
ALGON National President, Alhaji Aminu Muazu-Maifata, made the call in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Maifata, who is also the Executive Chairman of Lafia local government and ALGON chairman in Nasarawa State, 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 chairmen decides to use the entire monthly allocations for salaries alone, it would still not be enough to implement the new minimum wage.
According to him, 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.
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, 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.
