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Tag: minimum wage

  • Kano govt announces new minimum wage next week

    Kano govt announces new minimum wage next week

    Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf would announce a new minimum wage structure for workers in the state next week after receiving the report on the Minimum Wage Committee.

    The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of civil servants.

    In a statement by spokesman to the governor, Sanusi Bature, governor Yusuf told the committee that their recommendations would help the government implement policies that are both economically viable and sustainable.

    The committee was led by Special Adviser to the Governor on State Affairs, Usman Bala.

    It was tasked with reviewing and recommending improvements to the state’s minimum wage structure.

    The governor said the committee was chosen “because we believe in their ability to provide valuable insights and innovative ideas for moving forward.”

    Read Also: Minimum wage: Akwa Ibom govt offers N80,000, Kebbi to pay N75,000

    Governor Yusuf reassured civil servants of his administration’s dedication to fulfilling the promises made during the campaign, particularly with regards to improving their welfare.

    He called for patience as the government carefully reviews the committee’s recommendations to ensure they comply with constitutional guidelines.

    The governor noted that the final decision on the report will be made public next week, asking for understanding from all parties as the process moves forward.

    Committee Chairman Bala explained that the recommendations were crafted with careful consideration of Kano’s current economic conditions.

    He expressed confidence that the proposed wage structure would be both durable and sustainable for the state, and would positively impact the financial stability of civil servants.

  • A’Ibom announces N80,000 minimum wage

    A’Ibom announces N80,000 minimum wage

    Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has announced N80,000 as the new minimum wage for all workers. 

    Eno announced this on Wednesday in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong.

    He also set up an implementation committee chaired by the Head of the State Civil Service, Effiong Essien. 

    The committee has been given one month to deliver it’s report on how the wage increase will be executed.

    Read Also: Yusuf receives minimum wage report

    Other members of the committee are Chairman, State Civil Service Commission, Chairman, Local Government Service Commission,Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, the leadership of labour unions such as the NLC and TUC among others.

    Ememobong said that the announcement was “reflective the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its workforce”.

  • FULL LIST: Governors paying above N70,000 minimum wage

    FULL LIST: Governors paying above N70,000 minimum wage

    Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Friday approved the payment of N85,000.00 as the new minimum wage for civil servants employed by the Rivers State Government.

    This agreement was reached during a closed-door meeting presided over by the Governor, attended by representatives of organised labour under the auspices of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council in the state at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

    Earlier, Lagos and Delta States promised to pay N85,000 and N77,500 as the minimum wage for their workers.

    President Bola Tinubu in July, 2024 signed the new N70,000 minimum wage bill into law, ending months of deliberations between government representatives, labour unions and the private sector.

    While a number of governors have pledged to meet the N70,000 minimum wage, others have gone further, committing to pay amounts higher than the federal mandate.

    Here are Governors ready to pay above N70,000 minimum wage:

    1. Governor, Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State)

    On October 18, 2024, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, approved the payment of N85,000.00 as the new minimum wage for civil servants employed by the State Government.

    Read Also: N85,000 minimum wage demonstration of Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to workers’ welfare – Lagos TUC

    2. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State)

    On October 16, 2024, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced a new minimum wage of N85,000 for Lagos State workers, N15,000 above the federal minimum. He cited the high cost of living in Lagos as a factor and expressed a goal to raise the minimum to N100,000 by January 2025.

    3. Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State)

    Governor Dapo Abiodun approved a minimum wage of N77,000 on October 15, 2024, according to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi.

    4. Muhammad Yahaya (Gombe State)

    Gombe State governor, Muhammad Yahaya signed an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress to pay ₦71,500 as the new minimum wage on October 15, 2024.

    5. Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State)

    On October 12, 2024, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced a minimum wage increase to N73,000 for state workers during his campaign kickoff ahead of the November 16 governorship election.

    6. Ahmed Ododo (Kogi State)

    Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, approved N72,500 minimum wage for civil servants in the state with immediate effect. The governor also suspended the tax burden on the approved sum for one year.

  • Marginalization of judiciary staff

    Marginalization of judiciary staff

    Sir: The judiciary, recognized as the third arm of government, holds a critical role in the democratic system, ensuring justice, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding the rights of citizens. While the judges who sit at the helm of this institution are revered and provided for, the same cannot be said for the judiciary staff that forms the backbone of the system. They remain the unsung heroes whose work, dedication, and commitment keep the wheels of justice turning. Yet, despite the essential services they provide, they are being treated with delay and negligence when it comes to their finances and entitlements.

    Across various jurisdictions, judiciary staff – clerks, court registrars, legal research assistants, administrative personnel, bailiffs, and others – are continuously faced with delays in the payment of their allowances and other entitlements.  One refers to the continuous payment of 35,000 wage award till implementation of the minimum wage, outright delay in the 40% payment which some courts are yet to receive in full and the 25 and 35% increment for staff which is still pending. 

    On the minimum wage, the judiciary is yet to receive theirs which takes us back to arrears that’s seems fruitless to receive, whereas, some parastatals and state government have begun payment and the judiciary seems less concerned about the welfare of its staff.

    This sluggish treatment is not only unjust but also demoralizing for workers who contribute significantly to the smooth functioning of the judicial system. The disparity is even more glaring when compared to the relatively well-provided entitlements of judges, who, by virtue of their position, do not face the same financial struggles.

     It is a stark reality that, while judges enjoy timely payment of their allowances, and other benefits, the judiciary staff who support them in the administration of justice are left to struggle with unpaid dues and deferred benefits. This neglect not only affects the livelihood of these staff members but also has a ripple effect on the efficiency of the judiciary as a whole.

     These staff members, who are often the first point of contact for the public in the judiciary, ensure that court proceedings run smoothly, legal documents are properly processed, and that the system functions without disruption. When their morale is low due to financial insecurity, it is inevitable that the overall efficiency of the judiciary will suffer.

    Read Also: Experts chart course to tackle Nigeria’s low life expectancy

    The neglect of judiciary staff also raises questions about the value placed on their contribution to the judicial system. While much attention is often given to the welfare of judges, there seems to be a blind spot when it comes to the staff who form the majority of the workforce within the judiciary. This imbalance must be addressed to prevent further demoralization and inefficiency within the justice system.

    The judiciary is not just about judges; it is a collective effort that involves a wide range of staff who, despite their critical roles, are being left behind in terms of financial recognition and entitlements. The sluggish manner in which judiciary staff are treated must be urgently addressed to ensure the smooth functioning of the judicial system. It is essential that the government acknowledges the contributions of these workers and ensures that their financial rights are upheld, recognizing that it is the staff, not the judges, who suffer most from this ongoing neglect.

    The judiciary will only be as strong as the commitment and morale of its entire workforce, and it is time that the financial needs of judiciary staff are treated with the same urgency and importance as those of judges.

    •Babatunde Olumide,<felixolucube@gmail.com

  • Yusuf receives minimum wage report

    Yusuf receives minimum wage report

    Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of civil servants in the state.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson Sunusi  Dawakin -Tofa on Tuesday in Kano.

    Yusuf stated this while receiving report from the state’s Minimum Wage Committee led by Usman Bala, Special Adviser to the Governor on State Affairs.

    The governor expressed confidence in the committee’s work, acknowledging their thorough research and wide consultations.

    He emphasised that their recommendations would help the government implement policies that are both economically viable and sustainable.

     “We chose this committee because we believe in their ability to provide valuable insights and innovative ideas for moving forward,” the governor stated.

    Yusuf reassured civil servants of his administration’s dedication to fulfilling the promises made during the campaign, particularly with regard to improving their welfare.

    Read Also: Osun workers flay delay in minimum wage implementation

    He called for patience as the government carefully reviews the committee’s recommendations to ensure they comply with constitutional guidelines.

    The governor noted that the final decision on the report will be made public next week, asking for understanding from all parties as the process moves forward.

    The committee Chairman, Usman Bala explained that the recommendations were crafted with careful consideration of the state’s current economic conditions.

    He expressed confidence that the proposed wage structure would be both durable and sustainable for the state, and would positively impact the financial stability of civil servants.

    (NAN)

  • Otti approves N70,000 minimum wage for Abia workers

    Otti approves N70,000 minimum wage for Abia workers

    The Abia State Government has announced that it would begin payment of the N70,000 minimum wage to its workers starting this October. 

    Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced this at the end of the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting chaired by Governor Otti.

    Kanu said that the decision of the State Government to pay the civil servants the new minimum wage as approved by the Federal Government underscores the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of workers in the state.

    Read Also: Osun workers flay delay in minimum wage implementation

    “The state government is committed to the minimum wage, and within the next few days, payment of the new minimum wage will commence,” Kanu stated.

    He also noted that while the national minimum wage is the benchmark, the state is prepared to adjust as deemed necessary.

    “If the Governor wants to deviate from the national standard and pay higher, so be it,” Kanu added.

    Confirming the move, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Sunny Onwuma, reaffirmed that Abia State is set to implement the N70,000 minimum wage for its workers.

  • Osun workers flay delay in minimum wage implementation

    Osun workers flay delay in minimum wage implementation

    Civil servants in Osun State have flayed the delay in the implementation of the new minimum wage by the state government.

    Some of the civil servants, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Osogbo, said the implementation of the wage was long overdue.

    One of the workers, who simply identified herself as Opemipo, said workers in the state had been waiting for the announcement of the new minimum wage.

    She said the delay in the implementation of the new wage was a delay tactic by the state government.

    ”I wonder what is causing the delay. Other neighbouring states have implemented theirs and I wonder what is delaying our own.

    ”This economic hardship is becoming unbearable and I appeal to Governor Ademola Adeleke to act fast,” she said.

    Read Also: Southeast states littered with abandoned projects

    Another civil servant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said workers had thought the state would be among the first set of states to implement the new minimum wage.

    He said what the workers were getting on a monthly basis was no longer enough to cater for their families due to hardship in the country.

    ”We are worried over the delay. No matter how little the minimum wage may be, at least it will assist to fix one or two things.

    “But now that the government is not coming forth in what it is willing to pay, it is a serious source of concern for us.

    ”States such as Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, Kwara, Ogun and others have implemented theirs, why Osun?

    “This shows lack of commitment to the welfare of workers.

    ”I hope the state government will come out in time to let the workers know their fate,” he said.

    Another senior officer, who preferred anonymity, said it was insensitive of the state government not to release template on the implementation of the new minimum wage.

    ”I wonder if the state government knows what we the civil servants are passing through in this hard time.

    ”If they do, I don’t expect them to delay the implementation of the new wage.

    ”I hope the delay is not a ploy to pay unreasonable minimum wage to workers.

    ”We are struggling to cope with this harsh economic situation in the country and the delay in the implementation of the minimum wage by the state government is adding to our plight,” he said.

    Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr Kolapo Alimi, has said the committee constituted by the governor to look into the implementation of the minimum wage would soon complete its assignment for approval.

    Alimi, in a recent statement, said the committee approved by the governor had been working to conclude the assignment without hitch.

    The commissioner added that the governor was committed to a sustainable implementation of the minimum wage, in line with the administration’s five-point agenda.

  • Tax reforms

    Tax reforms

    •Using regressive and progressive tools to reach fairer taxation is good thinking

    The most startling, from the proposed tax reforms, might well be the announcement that whoever earns N1.5 million a month — and below — would pay less tax, regressing from the cap of N1.5 million, to the very base of N70, 000: the new national minimum wage.

    The in-built egalitarianism in that thinking is laudable.  But that is not the news.  The news is that the N1 million to N1.5 million bracket — a month — hitherto represented the elite tax-paying class.  That bracket should have come under progressive taxation.

    So, why is it now regressive?  That is perhaps the government’s own realisation of the havoc Naira devaluation is wreaking on the economy.  For all the hankering after the dollar, the government itself might be realising that the Naira is getting undervalued.  It will therefore do well to think out some balancing act, for a better equilibrium.

    Another thing: with N70, 000 as national minimum wage, it’s a moot point how many in the public sector earn over N1.5 million a month, even with the consequential adjustments on the salary scale.  So, if the majority of public servants pay regressive tax — less tax, in real terms than at present — where is the revenue harvest, which the tax reforms are targeting, coming from?

    Before going public on these proposals, Taiwo Oyedele, chair of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms and his committee members, must have done their homework; and probably now boast a tax data base to support this current thinking. 

    Perhaps that base has been widened enough to capture much of the huge informal market, which clearly drives this economy but which pays little or no tax — in any case, not anything near its volume, spread and depth?  We wouldn’t know for sure, until the Oyedele Committee throws more information into the public space.

    But even with limited information, it would appear a new dawn in Nigerian taxation, with the government combining both progressive and regressive tools to strike a sensible balance.  This concept is not new per se.  But an aggressive implementation may make all the difference.

    Read Also: Jibrin Ndace: Nigeria’s Voice in VON

    While the N1.5 million cap for “low earners” headlines the regressive leg of the tax proposal, N100 million-a-month headlines the progressive segment of it.  Hitherto, tax on that bracket — and above — was capped at 19 per cent.  By the new proposals, the tax is up by six per cent to berth at 25 per cent. 

    So, everyone in that group would pay 25 kobo from every N1 they have accumulated, up from 19 kobo.  We can’t say, with certitude, what awaits even higher earners, in the range of N500 million a month and above.  But by the principle of progressive taxation, those — very few, though — should pay higher than the 25 per cent threshold.

    “If you earn N1.5 million a month or less, your personal income tax bill will go down,” Oyedele explained. “But if you earn more than that amount, you see it going up incrementally up to 25 per cent.”

    That is good news for advocates of tax as effective tool of wealth re-distribution, particularly if the extra cash is splashed on social and physical infrastructure that enhance citizens’ quality of living.  Arch-capitalists may demur however, claiming — not altogether unjustified — that high percentage of tax on income, paid by the rich class, is a disincentive to industry, innovation and productivity.

    Still, across the board, these proposals are progressive in thinking, corrective by philosophy and equitable by fiscal policy goal.  That is praise-worthy. 

    By the ugly present, low income earners seem to carry the heavier bulk of taxation.  In any case, they are “trapped” in pay-as-you-earn (PAYE), a form of withholding tax. Their employers, public or private sector, “withhold” their tax, pay the workers their net salaries, but send their tax dues to the tax authorities. 

    Though that appears to capture everyone in the pay system, those below have little or no powers to tweak the process and pay less. That unfortunately can’t be said of those above, with a ringing culture of sundry abuse in the system — as other Nigerian systems.

    The tax proposals also thrust a new Value-Added Tax (VAT) basket of policies — again primed at stimulating small-scale ventures.  It proposes, for instance, to fully refund businesses the VAT they had paid on assets and services.  In these times of spiralling energy and sundry costs, that’s cheery news.  The reduced costs could also help to tamp down inflation.

    Another leg of the proposals is a new withholding tax policy that exempts small businesses and manufacturers, excludes food and transport from taxes — another fiscal strategy to tame inflation — and introduces tax identification for workers in the financial services sector.

    Since these proposals are incorporated into 10 new bills already before the National Assembly — bills seeking to ring constitutional changes in Nigeria’s tax laws — we suggest that the National Assembly give those bills accelerated treatments.

  • Minimum wage: States set for Oct commencement of payment

    Minimum wage: States set for Oct commencement of payment

    • Oyo, Osun, Plateau yet to conclude on mode

    • NLC President Ajaero: issue of arrears yet to be sorted out

    Some of the 36 states appear to be running against time as the October 31,2024 agreed date for them to begin the payment of the N70,000 minimum  wage approaches.

    Although many of the states have concluded talks with  organised labour  on the amount they will pay, the rest are yet to finalise the procedure. Legend financial and tax advisor.

    And there is also the issue of arrears of the new wage waiting to be sorted out between labour and government at both state and federal levels, The Nation gathered yesterday.

    The highest minimum wage so far of N85000 will be paid by Lagos and Rivers states, while Delta will be paying N77500 and Ogun –N77000.

    The rest are: Ondo –N73000; Kogi – N72500; Gombe – N71500; and Edo, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Kwara, Anambra, Adamawa  and Kano –N70000.

    Bauchi, Cross River, Benue, Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Osun, Abia, Enugu, Plateau and Imo states are still working out the modalities  of the new deal.

    Read Also; NIS addresses visa-on-arrival application process

    The latest state to announce its decision on the new minimum wage is Kwara whose Finance Commissioner,  Hauwa Nuru, said yesterday that the new salary regime would be implemented across the state public service  from this month.

    Dr. Nuru said in a statement in Ilorin that an agreement to this effect was reached during a tripartite meeting of  government representatives, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) representing the organised private sector.

    Dr. Nuru, who is the co-chairman of the minimum wage committee, expressed appreciation to Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq for giving the committee a free hand to reach a consensus that benefits all parties involved.

    The template also covers workers in the 16 local government areas of the state, she said.

    No figure yet in Abia but payment begins this month

    The Abia State government has not disclosed yet how much it is willing to pay as minimum wage,but says workers should expect to go home with the new wage from the end of this month.

    Information Commissioner, Okey Kanu, only said   “all categories of workers in the state” would benefit.

    However, the local chairman of the NLC, Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya, says the leadership of the workers’ union would not accept anything less than the N70,000 approved by the federal government.

    He said organised labour was still discussing the consequential adjustment of the minimum wage.

    “Between now and the end of October, by His grace, we will finish the negotiation and everything will fall in place,” he said.

    Continuing, he said: “As we speak, we are just coming back from the NLC leadership training concerning the ₦70,000 minimum wage and the negotiation process.

    “Any moment from now, we will write government officially for us to discuss the consequential adjustments that will come up with a veritable outcome.

    “The ₦70,000 is the beginning; level 1 step 1. Other agreement or negotiation on consequential adjustment will follow.

    Asked what action organized labour would take in the event of the state government falling short of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, Ogbonnaya said: “we don’t need to deliberate on that.”

    He said: “The Commissioner said that the state government will pay ₦70,000 minimum wage by the end of October.

    “The payment of ₦70,000 starts with level 1 step 1. Level 1 step 1 cannot earn the same thing as level 8 or 13. By the end of this October, like the governor has just said, the payment of the new minimum wage will start.”

    Kano’ll pay N70,000, says Commissioner

    The Kano State government seems to be still taking its time in deciding on the template for the new wage structure.

    Information Commissioner, Baba Dantiye, told The Nation in Kano that the government had agreed to pay the #70,000 minimum wage but was taking a critical look at the template to enable it take a position that would be beneficial to all sides.

    “Kano will come up with a position and when to start paying,” Dantiye said.

    Benue Committee to turn in report soon

    The technical committee on the minimum wage set up by Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia will soon submit its report, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kulas Tersoo said in Makurdi when asked about the new structure.

    The Committee is headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Deborah Abel.

    Tersoo said the governor “upon assumption of office willingly increased the salary of workers and he is ready to do more for them.”

    We’re making progress in Imo – Gov’s SA

    Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Special Adviser on Labour,Austin Chilakpu, said the state would not lag behind in the implementation of the new minimum wage.

    He said government has already met with organised labour  on the issue following which  a committee was set up to work on  the  domestication of the new minimum wage.

    Chilakpu said: “During the meeting, the governor pledged to pay the new minimum wage. However, the labour union requested a committee to finalise the arrangements, which has caused a brief delay.

    “We have agreed to implement whatever we agree upon with the labour unions. We are not lagging behind.

    “The governor’s proactive approach to resolving the minimum wage issue has been commendable, especially since he initiated the meeting without external pressure.”

    Oyo awaiting committee’s recommendation

    Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said in Ibadan that the government has agreed in principle to pay N70,000 as minimum wage and it is only waiting for the report of the technical committee it set up on the consequential adjustment to submit its report.

    He said implementation would commence as soon as government got the report.

    Dr Olanrewaju said “The Governor has promised that the state will pay the minimum wage. The issue is the matter of consequential adjustment.

    “Currently, there is a committee in place looking at the adjustment. As soon as the committee completes its assignment, payment will start.”

    We have not commenced negotiations in Kaduna – NLC Chair

    The situation in Kaduna State is a bit different as the local chairman of the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Magaji Suleiman, said negotiation for the new minimum wage has not started.

    He said this was because of the delay in releasing the template by the National Salary and Wages Commission.

    He, however, said it was only a few days ago that labour notified Governor Uba Sani of the availability of the template.

    The governor, according to him, has since responded by setting up a committee on the matter.

    The NLC Chairman said the negotiation committee is expected to be inaugurated this week to pave the way for negotiation to commence.

    Nasarawa gov, Labour agree on promotion, not minimum wage

    The implementation of the new minimum wage in Nasarawa may have to wait for some time more after the local chapter of the NLC favoured the clearing of the backlog of promotions for workers.

    Governor Abdullahi Sule who had previously announced the decision of his administration to pay the new minimum wage conceded to the labour demand for promotion.

    The labour unions during negotiation with the governor recently prevailed on him to suspend the implementation of the new minimum wage and settle outstanding promotions first.

    The governor agreed to implement the promotion of workers from 2019 to 2023.

    He said: “I am much more aware, more than two months ago, that we have agreed about promotion between 2019 to date, that is from 2019-2023. The idea was to address promotion for the last four years 2019 to 2023 so that we will be up to date. We will not fall into the same problem that we had, which I inherited, where workers were not promoted for over eight years.

    “What I told you then was that we were waiting for what would be the impact of the minimum wage. If the impact of the minimum wage comes to us as, say, N800m a month, if you put together this N200m, it is about one billion. The state cannot pay. The state does not have the capacity to pay.”

    He explained that even though federation allocation to the state has improved following the removal of oil subsidy, costs of materials have also appreciated such that even with the improved allocation, Nasarawa State will still not be able to implement both the promotion of workers and new minimum wage at the same time.

    “A contract of N3bn before is now N8bn. Costs of materials have changed. Even the cost of security has changed.  That is the reality. I am not hiding anything from you, my books are open. Whatever you need to know, ask, we will give it to you.

    Governor Sule, however, reminded the unions that even the former N30, 000 minimum wage template by the Federal Government was not fully implemented in the state.

    The Nasarawa State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ismaila Ayuba Oko, told journalists that the union listed two demands before the governor, the implementation of promotion of workers and then waiting for the release of table of salaries for the new minimum wage.

    “Let us be on the same page and get it clear. We also sat at our level and took far reaching decisions. First, we want our promotion implemented,” he said

    A’Ibom govt, Labour yet to agree

    Akwa Ibom state government and organised labour are yet to agree on minimum wage for workers in the state.

    State chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Sunny James told The Nation in Uyo yesterday that negotiation was still in progress with government.

    But he said labour would not settle for anything less than N70,000.

    His words: “NLC and other labour unions are still engaging with the state government to agree on specific figures. We don’t want to rush into announcing figures because we are still doing our calculations.

    “I can say that the state government will make a pronouncement in a week’s time. Workers will not accept anything less than N70,000. That is not even a problem because the state government might pay higher than N70,000.

    “What labour is concerned about is the consequential adjustments for the new minimum wage to reflect on all grade levels, especially senior civil servants,” he said.

    Osun govt about to conclude decision, Plateau silent

    Osun State Information Commissioner, Kolapo Alimi, says the state government is fully in support of the minimum wage and will implement it as soon as possible.

    “The Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee set up by Governor Ademola Adeleke will soon complete its assignment for necessary approval; they have been working assiduously to conclude the assignment without hitch,” he told The Nation in Osogbo.

    “They are mandated to come up with recommendations to the government on the consequential adjustments arising from the minimum wage law.”

    The commissioner said the new minimum wage is a law that must be respected by everybody including public and private entities.

    The Plateau State Government is yet to make any pronouncement on its position on minimum wage for civil servants.

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki announced way back in April that the state would pay N70,000 as minimum wage.

    NLC President Ajaero: issue of arrears yet to be sorted out

    Reviewing the minimum wage issue last night in a chat with The Nation, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, confirmed that the agreement reached between government and labour was that delay in the payment of the new minimum wage should not go beyond this month.

    But he said since the law on the new dispensation took effect from July, workers are entitled to arrears.

    Talks on the payment of the arrears may be subjects of discussion between labour and government in due course.

    Told about the suspension of the new minimum wage in Nasarawa in favour of clearing of accumulated promotions, Ajaero said no state has a right to do that as the minimum wage issue is a matter of law that cannot be violated by any party.

  • Osun to conclude decision on minimum wage

    Osun to conclude decision on minimum wage

    The Osun State Government has concluded plans to implement the new minimum wage as the implementing committee is set to submit consequential adjustment documents. 

    Osun Commissioner for Information Kolapo Alimi told The Nation on Saturday the new minimum wage is a law that must be respected by everybody including public and private entities. 

    He informed Governor Ademola Adeleke has set up a committee chaired by his Chief of Staff, Kazeem Akinleye and they are about rounding up the assignment. 

    Read Also: A’Ibom, Labour yet to agree on minimum wage

    Alimi said: “Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee set up by Governor Ademola Adeleke will soon complete its assignment for necessary approval, they have been working assiduously to conclude the assignment without hitch.

    “They are mandated to come up with recommendations to the government on the consequential adjustments arising from the minimum wage Law.”

    He noted a circular from the Office of the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, informed the committee members include the Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Akinleye leading the government team. 

    “The labour side is led by the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Arapasopo Abimbola Christopher. Other members of the government team include the Head of Service, Commissioner for Finance; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Commissioner for Information among others.“