Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has stated that his government will work toward deciding on a new minimum wage.
The governor mentioned that a meeting with labour representatives in the state would take place to ensure the decision benefits both the government and the workers.
During the 2024 Labour Day celebration themed “People First,” Governor Abiodun also highlighted that his administration has paid over N128.3 billion in pensions and gratuities to retirees from both local and state governments in Ogun.
“Regarding the minimum wage, our proactive administration has been thoroughly examining this matter to reach a sustainable outcome in line with our inclusive governance approach. Soon, we will convene with organized labour leaders to finalize the Ogun State Government’s position on the minimum wage,” the governor stated.
Governor Abiodun mentioned that his administration has paid N2.8 billion in leave bonuses to workers, covering entitlements for 2023 and January to March 2024. In addition, N13.4 billion in overdue deductions have been disbursed to workers.
Further, Governor Abiodun stated that his administration has provided more than N8 billion as palliatives to state government workers and pensioners.
He noted that car and motorcycle refurbishment loans have been doubled, with about 10,982 civil servants benefiting from the scheme so far, totaling approximately N1.3 billion in disbursements.
“We continue to pay pensions and gratuities, with about N118.7 billion paid to state government retirees and N9.6 billion to local government retirees, totaling over N128.3 billion.
“Additionally, all workers have received a transport allowance of N10,000 per month for the past nine months, totaling over N8 billion. The 40% increase in basic salary and the consistent remittance of deductions have helped ease the burden on our workforce,” Abiodun remarked.
He added that Ogun TEACh interns will now be integrated into the civil service after a minimum of two years of meritorious service, following a comprehensive evaluation process. The scheme has been expanded to employ more interns, with 2,000 new hires added in 2024, bringing the total number of interns to 4,000, with an aim to increase to 5,000 in the near future.
In his remarks, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Barrister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, represented by the State Controller, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Nnambi Enuah, restated the government’s commitment to supporting workers’ rights and announced various palliatives to ease the economic impact of recent policies.
The Minister urged workers to continue supporting government efforts and lauded Governor Abiodun for his effective leadership, particularly in addressing the aftermath of fuel subsidy removal.
Also, Comrade Akeem Lasisi, the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), praised the governor for his responsive leadership and the successful implementation of palliatives, including the N10,000 transport allowance and the 40% increment in workers’ basic salary.
The celebration concluded with a parade by various unions and the presentation of the Best Friendly Governor Award to Governor Dapo Abiodun by the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
