Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has assured workers in the state that they will receive the new minimum wage of N70,000. Speaking through his Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, in Osogbo, the state capital, Adeleke emphasized his commitment to workers’ welfare and promised not to default on the payment.
Adeleke stated that once the National Assembly passes the bill and finalizes all the necessary procedures, the state government will comply with the new minimum wage law. He said, “Our governor is a lover of workers; his first agenda is to prioritize the welfare of workers both active and non-active.” He further added, “Governor Adeleke will not be among the defaulters of the new minimum wage. Osun State will never deviate from the law on minimum wage.”
The decision to raise the minimum wage follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval of N70,000 as the new national minimum wage during a meeting with organized labor. Initially, labor had demanded N250,000, but the Nigerian government’s representatives proposed N60,000. Eventually, the president settled on N70,000, which was approved during the week.
In a similar development, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has also assured workers in his state of his administration’s readiness to pay the N70,000 new minimum wage. Addressing journalists in Makurdi, the state capital, Alia expressed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that workers receive the new wage. He mentioned that his government had taken steps to block financial leakages, enabling them to pay the new minimum wage.
Alia said, “Though with harsh economy things have been stagnated but with all the plans and measures that are in place for things to function, things are moving, even our internally generated revenue has increased.” He continued, “It’s now left for us to close all loopholes to see how much we can cash in to do other things, even to pay salary.”
Governor Alia highlighted the importance of a dedicated workforce to the success of any government. He stated, “We can pay (minimum wage) with our focus. With all purpose and intent, what is agreed by the Federal Government, we the sub nationals should be able to queue in today.” He also emphasized the necessity of paying civil servants the approved wage, saying, “Without the workforce, any government will not have any centeredness of governance. So, we need to pay our civil servants with what is approved by the Federal Government and organized labor.”
Both governors’ commitments come at a crucial time as workers across Nigeria have been anticipating the implementation of the new minimum wage. The assurances from Adeleke and Alia signal a positive step towards improving the living conditions of workers in their respective states.
Governor Adeleke’s promise reflects his administration’s broader commitment to the welfare of its citizens. His assurance to abide by the new minimum wage law underscores his dedication to ensuring that workers are adequately compensated for their labor. This move is expected to boost the morale of workers in Osun State and enhance their productivity.
Similarly, Governor Alia’s efforts to block financial leakages and increase internally generated revenue demonstrate a proactive approach to governance. By ensuring that funds are available to meet the new wage requirements, Alia is setting a standard for financial prudence and accountability in his administration. This approach not only ensures that workers are paid but also promotes transparency and efficiency in government operations.
The approval of the N70,000 minimum wage by President Tinubu marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s labor history. It reflects the government’s recognition of the need to improve workers’ living standards in the face of economic challenges. While labor had initially demanded a much higher wage, the approved amount represents a compromise that balances the needs of workers with the government’s financial capabilities.
As these commitments from the governors and the federal government take effect, workers across Nigeria can look forward to a better standard of living. The new minimum wage is expected to have a positive impact on the economy by increasing workers’ purchasing power and stimulating economic activities. It also sends a strong message about the importance of fair compensation and the government’s role in safeguarding workers’ rights.
The assurances from Governors Adeleke and Alia, along with the federal government’s approval of the new minimum wage, are significant steps towards enhancing the welfare of Nigerian workers. These developments underscore the importance of prioritizing workers’ needs and ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their labor. As the new wage law is implemented, it is expected to bring about positive changes in the lives of workers and contribute to the overall development of the nation.
