JACON Accuses Northern Governors of Neglecting Workers, Demands ₦150,000 Minimum Wage

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations (JACON) has accused governors in Northern Nigeria of neglecting workers despite increased federal allocations to states following the removal of fuel subsidy.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 14, 2026, the group alleged that the 19 northern states had received significantly higher revenues since the subsidy removal but failed to improve workers’ welfare or address worsening economic hardship.

The statement, signed by JACON’s National Director of Public and Strategic Communication, Muhammed Isa, and Secretary General, Raphael Terkolar, criticised governors for allegedly refusing to implement a ₦150,000 minimum wage and clear outstanding salary arrears.

According to the group, the failure of state governments to improve wages has deepened poverty and weakened economic stability across the region.

JACON claimed that monthly allocations to northern states from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) had either doubled or tripled since fuel subsidy removal, but alleged that much of the increased revenue had been lost to opaque spending, inflated contracts, and recurrent expenditures.

“Official data from state treasuries and the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee show that monthly allocations to northern states have doubled or tripled since subsidy removal,” the statement said.

The coalition alleged that many workers across the region continue to endure low wages, unpaid salary arrears, and delayed pension deductions despite rising government revenues.

According to JACON, the situation has contributed to growing poverty, declining purchasing power, and increased social hardship among workers and their families.

The group further linked the wage crisis to rising malnutrition, school dropouts, reduced access to healthcare, and worsening insecurity in parts of Northern Nigeria.

“When workers see revenue but no relief, faith in democratic institutions collapses, leading to voter apathy or violent rejection of the state,” the statement added.

JACON warned that widespread poverty among workers could also fuel recruitment into criminal activities such as banditry and kidnapping.

The group outlined four key demands to northern governors and lawmakers, including the immediate implementation of a ₦150,000 minimum wage backdated to the period of subsidy removal.

It also demanded the clearance of all salary arrears and pension deductions within 90 days, monthly publication of FAAC allocations and welfare expenditures, and the establishment of a State Workers’ Welfare Trust Fund financed with at least 30 per cent of subsidy-related revenue increases.

With future elections approaching, JACON said it would mobilise voters across northern states to reject governors and lawmakers who fail to prioritise workers’ welfare.

“Our message to every worker, trader, and farmer in northern Nigeria is simple: your vote is your only weapon. Reject any governor or lawmaker who received increased revenue yet refused to pay a ₦150,000 minimum wage or prioritise your welfare,” the statement said.