Ogun commences payment of new minimum wage

Contrary to doubts, insinuations and agitations from different quarters, workers in Ogun State have started rejoicing, upon the alerts of October salary received from their respective banks, with the new minimum wage increase.

It would be recalled that the State Government had an agreement with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) to effect the new minimum wage and this has been fulfilled.

Some workers who spoke with The Guardian expressed happiness over the payment of the minimum wage, saying it was a welcome development.

Expressing his delight, Commander Oluwafemi Odukalu of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) said, “To be honest, I was expecting something close to that increment, but when I saw the actual amount added, I was overwhelmed, because I didn’t expect that much.” He thanked the Governor for fulfilling the promise.

Mrs. Oluwatosin Owotomo of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology appreciated the Governor for keeping his promise and not paying lip service to workers’ welfare.

“Some of the lower level officers, it was learnt, got as much as 100 per cent salary rise, while those on higher grades got “substantial increment,” she said.

The Chairman of NLC, Comrade Emmanuel Bankole said, “The payment is a commendable and welcome development,” while appreciating the Governor on behalf of organised labour in the state for fulfilling his promise on the new minimum wage. 

Comrade Bankole added: “It is our hope that this development will open a new vista of collaboration, trust and understanding between government and labour.” He reassured the Governor of unalloyed loyalty and support of workers to his administration. 

“No doubt, the payment of new minimum wage to civil and public servants will greatly motivate the workers for enhanced productivity and efficiency,” he said.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Odusile, said, “It is a good thing. The Governor promised Labour that he would pay and this is another promise made and promise kept.

“The Government of Prince Dapo Abiodun will always take the welfare of workers seriously, just as it is committed to the welfare of all residents and indigenes of the state.”

Odusile enjoined workers to be up and doing and dedicated to their work, so that “we can have the Ogun State of our dreams.