From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for workers in the state.
The payment of the new wage is effective from December 1.
The approval follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and leaders of organised labour in the state.
According to the MoU, the new minimum wage will cover all strata of Ekiti workers, including pensioners.
While the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, signed the wage agreement on behalf of the state government, leaders of the labour unions signed on behalf of the workers in the state.
The Head of Service said Governor Oyebanji approved the template as presented by the committee based on the Governor’s commitment to prioritising workers’ welfare and wellbeing.
She expressed her appreciation to the labour leaders for their understanding, patience, and dexterity, and thanked Ekiti workers for waiting patiently for the outcome of the committee’s decision. She also appealed to them to reciprocate the government’s 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 and deliberate on the minimum wage for Ekiti State.
“I want to emphasise that this was a very painstaking process; it was a process that considered the funds available to Ekiti. In the midst of this, Mr Governor bent forwards and backwards 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 finalised 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, and all parastatals and MDAs in the state. Pensioners are not left out,” she stated.
In their separate remarks, Chairmen of the 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 Governor Oyebanji for his efforts at giving the best to Ekiti workers.
The labour leaders also noted that the new minimum wage cuts across all strata of the Ekiti workforce, including pensioners, adding that when the table is compared with those of other states, Governor Oyebanji has given the best.
The new minimum wage reflects the commitment of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration to ensure the state workforce is supported and motivated for more effective service delivery.