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Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ondo, Rivers agree to pay minimum wage

By Lawrence Njoku (Enugu), Ann Godwin (Port Harcourt), Oluwaseun Akingboye (Akure), Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh (Uyo), Nnamdi Akpa (Abakaliki), Julius Osahon (Yenagoa) and Joseph Wantu (Makurdi)
02 May 2019   |   3:12 am
It was jubilation galore in most states of the federation yesterday as their governments agreed to commence implementation of the new national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government. Some of the states that announced their readiness to implement the new pay on the sidelines of the 2019 May Day celebrations are, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa,…
Ondo state governor, Akeredolu addressing journalist at May Day parade. Photo/twitter/RotimiAkeredolu

It was jubilation galore in most states of the federation yesterday as their governments agreed to commence implementation of the new national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.

Some of the states that announced their readiness to implement the new pay on the sidelines of the 2019 May Day celebrations are, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ondo and Rivers.

Addressing workers at a rally at Uyo Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel, vowed to ensure that workers and pensioners welfare are given prompt attention in the state.

He stressed that he would rather play down on infrastructure development than deny that social contract to workers in the state.

Responding, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Sunny James, said he was confident that Udom would not waste time in the implementation of the N30, 000 new minimum wage

In Bayelsa State, Governor Seriake Dickson reassured workers at the Peace Park in Yenagoa of his administration’s resolve to pay the new N30, 000 minimum pay to civil servants in the state.

Speaking, Chairman of NLC, Johm Ndiomu, commended Dickson for declining assent to the life pension bill for House of Assembly members in the state.

On his part, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom said he would place labour welfare on top priority, even as he expressed readiness to implement the new minimum wage for the state workers.

Ortom, who was represented b y his deputy, Benson Abounu, gave the indication at the IBB Public Square in Makurdi, maintained that he would do everything possible to correct mistakes made in his first term.

Represented by his deputy, Benson Abounu, he noted that the state government considers NLC as development partners, stressing that no state succeeds without Labour.

In Enugu State, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi yesterday assured workers that his administration would ensure they get a fair deal in the new national minimum wage, as approved by the Federal Government.

He said he would collaborate with relevant government agencies to ensure that the issue was “comprehensively and satisfactorily addressed,” in spite of economic challenges and urged the workers to continue to support and pray for improved finances in the state.

Besides, Governor, David Umahi of Ebonyi State approved the N30, 000 new minimum pay for the state civil servants.

He stated this, while addressing workers at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki and assured of their welfare.

Chairman of NLC, Ebonyi State, Leo Nkah, commended Umahi for approving welfare allowances and appealed for speedy implementation of the New Pension Act 2014.

In Ondo State, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu reaffirmed government’s commitment to the payment of the N30, 000 minimum wage.

A civil servant, who pleaded anonymity, said: “All I am interested in is to hear the payment of the N30, 000 minimum wage starts immediately and we must hear from the governor himself.”

Meanwhile, in Rivers State, Governor, Nyesom Wike, promised to pay the new national minimum wage for workers, assuring that as soon as he receives official transmission from the Federal Government, workers would begin to receive alert on the N30, 000 new minimum pay.

Wike, who was represented by the deputy governor, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, in Port Harcourt, also announced the lifting of ban on promotion of workers and recruitment of fresh hands to fill existing vacancies in the state’s civil service.

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