The Yobe State Government has approved the payment of a ‘weight-in’ allowance for journalists and other employees in state-owned media organisations, according to an official communication issued on Monday. The approval followed a joint request by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU).
In a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Mrs. Zainab Muhammad Ago, on behalf of the Head of Service, the government directed the immediate implementation of the allowance as approved. Journalists are to receive 35 per cent of their basic salary as allowance, while non-journalist staff will receive 20 per cent.
The letter explained that the request was premised on the existing ‘weight-in’ allowance applicable to employees of radio and television stations, as well as the State Council for Arts and Culture. It further noted that members of the two unions had been benefiting from the allowance prior to the implementation of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage.
Mrs. Ago also directed the Ministry of Finance to implement the payment accordingly, stating that the approval aligns with the directive of the Head of Service.
