October 14, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved N77,000 as the minimum wage for the lowest worker in the state, effective immediately.
This decision follows a meeting between state government officials, led by Secretary to the State Government Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and leaders of organized labor in Ogun State, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC).
Governor Abiodun directed that no worker in the state should earn less than N77,000 starting from October.
The Governor aims to alleviate the suffering of the people and improve living standards holistically.
He also advised the private sector to consider a similar minimum wage for their workers.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Hameed Benco, expressed satisfaction with the governor’s approval, noting that N77,000 is the highest minimum wage in the country.
Some states pay N70,000 or N70,250. Other sectorial salaries will be adjusted accordingly.
Additionally, the Government approved the labor union’s submission to exempt the new basic salary from taxation.
Comrades Akeem Lasisi (TUC) and Isa Olude (JNC) praised the Government’s worker-friendly stance.
Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, commended the governor’s responsiveness to workers’ plight.
He believes this gesture will boost worker morale and commitment to implementing government policies.