- Safiu Kehinde
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has, on Tuesday, approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for workers in the state which will take effect from the 1st of December 2024.
This was announced in a statement issued by the state government and made available to NPO Reports.
According to the statement, the approval followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the state Government and leaders of Organised labour in the state.
As contained in the MoU, the new minimum wage will cover all strata of Ekiti workers, as well as pensioners.
The wage agreement was signed on behalf of the state government by the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; while leaders of the organized labour signed on behalf of workers.
Olomojobi said the governor approved the template the way it was presented by the committee based on his commitment to prioritizing workers’ welfare and wellbeing.
While describing Governor Oyebanji as a “worker – friendly Governor” who desires the best for workers in the state, the Head of Service used the opportunity to express her appreciation to the labour leaders for their understanding, patience and dexterity in achieving the best for the workers.
She also commended Ekiti workers for waiting patiently for the outcome of the decision of the committee and for their unwavering trust in the state government that it will give them the best deal.
She, however, charged the workers to reciprocate the government gesture by enhancing their service delivery through their commitment to the success of the administration.
“Today is another landmark in the history of Ekiti State as we come together to sign the new minimum wage for Ekiti State Public servants. I want to first appreciate our Governor, who on the 31st of August 2024 put together the committee to negotiate Ekiti state public service minimum wage. This committee has taken not less than eight weeks to meet to deliberate on the minimum wage for Ekiti state.
“I want to emphasize that this was a very painstaking process, it was a process that brought to bear the funds available to Ekiti. In the midst of this, Mr Governor bent forward and backward to accommodate our yearnings, and today we have agreed on the minimum wage to be paid in Ekiti State.
“In the past few weeks, we have also put together the consequential adjustment and I am happy to announce that the Governor of Ekiti State is bringing out the best for every public worker in the state.
“I have had the privilege of looking at what is done across the nation, and I congratulate Ekiti state workers for having the best deal.
“Today we will be endorsing the consequential adjustment, across the state, local government areas, across every parastatals and MDAS in the state. The pensioners are not left out”, The Head of Service stated.
In their separate remarks, Chairmen of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde; Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Sola Adigun and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko commended Oyebanji for his efforts at giving the best to Ekiti workers.
The Labour leaders noted that the new minimum wage cut across all strata of Ekiti workforce including the pensioners, adding that when the table is compared with those of other states, the governor has given the best.
Also at the brief event were the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Permanent Secretaries of Ministry of Finance and Office of Establishment, Training and Service Delivery.