4th August, 2011
Ogun State Government this afternoon surprised its workers after agreeing to go beyond the national minimum wage by approving that the least paid worker in the state will go home with N18,250 at the end of every month.
The national minimum wage provided for by law is N18,000, which has
even been generating controversy at both the national and state levels across the state.
In an agreement signed today between the state government and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), it was agreed that the implementation of the new minimum wage will commence from 1 August, 2011. The two teams also agreed on a table reflecting how the minimum wage will affect workers on other salary scales.
According to a release signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Alhaji Yussuph Olaniyonu, and made available to newsmen, it was stated that, “the agreement was arrived at today after series of negotiations in which the state government team was led by Princess Iyabode Odulate, Head of Service, while the labour team consisted of Comrade Akeem Ambali, State Chairman of NLC; Comrade Seyi Adebanjo, State Chairman of TUC; Comrade Sunday Adeegbe, Chairman of JNC; and Comrade Steve Modupe, Secretary of JNC.â€
He hinted that apart from the Head of Service, other members of the government team were Mrs. Yetunde Kujore, Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishment and Training; Alhaji K. A. Ogunfowodu, Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Employment Generation Programme,(OGEGEP), Alhaji A. F. A. Opebiyi, Permanent Secretary, Service Matters; Mr. B. M. Salawu, Permanent Secretary, State Pension; and Mr. O. V. Osunfisan, Permanent Secretary/Solicitor General.
Describing the agreement as a good gesture, Princess Odulate said, “it is the hope of the state government that the civil servants will reciprocate this good gesture of the government with continued dedication, loyalty and improved efficiency in the discharge of their duties.”
She explained that Ogun State workers would rank among the first to enjoy this new salary package, reiterating that the state government realises the importance of the civil service to the smooth running of its administration.
The State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Akeem Ambali confirmed the development, which he described as a “Ramadan gift from a governor who understands the
essence of making a promise and fulfilling same in the Holy month.â€
Ambali added that, “the workers shall reciprocate this wonderful gesture. Ogun state workers today are happy and this I can tell you.”
According to the Labour leader, “We want him to further show his character by fulfilling other commitments including the payments of outstanding contributory pension and outstanding arrears of some allowances. But, for now, all I can say
is that Governor Amosun has blazed the trail in the Southwest.â€
By Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta