Babatunji Wusu –
- New Minimum Wage: Ogun State sets minimum wage at N77,000 for lowest-paid workers.
- Immediate Implementation: Effective from October.
- Collaboration with Labour: Decision made in consultation with organized labour leaders.
- Encouragement for Private Sector: Governor urges private sector to adopt similar wage standards.
- Tax Exemption: New basic salary to be exempt from taxes.
- Praise from Labour Leaders: Union leaders commend the government for being worker-friendly.
- Positive Impact on Worker Morale: Government’s actions expected to boost worker commitment and morale.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved a minimum wage of N77,000 for the lowest-paid workers in the state, effective immediately. This decision was announced following a meeting between the Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and leaders from the Organized Labour in Ogun State, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC).
In his statement, Governor Abiodun emphasized that no worker in the state should earn less than N77,000 starting in October. He highlighted his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of the people and taking proactive measures to alleviate their hardships.
The Governor also urged the organized private sector to adopt similar minimum wage policies, stressing that their employees are also affected by the country’s economic challenges. He called on the private sector to engage with relevant stakeholders to establish an appropriate minimum wage and announced plans to set up a monitoring team to ensure compliance.
Comrade Hameed Benco, Chairman of the State NLC, expressed satisfaction with the Governor’s decision, noting that Ogun State now has the highest minimum wage in the country. He pointed out that other states are paying between N70,000 and N70,250, and indicated that this new minimum wage would influence sectoral salaries accordingly. Additionally, he mentioned that the government has approved a request from labor for the new basic salary to be tax-exempt.
Comrade Akeem Lasisi of the TUC and Comrade Isa Olude of the JNC also praised the government’s worker-friendly policies, noting that adjustments for pensioners and other issues would be addressed following consultations with stakeholders.
Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, commended the generous wage approval as a testament to the Governor’s responsiveness to the needs of workers and the broader community. He expressed hope that this initiative would enhance worker morale and commitment to implementing government policies.
