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Delta State Approves Immediate Payment of New Minimum Wage for Civil Servants
Delta State civil servants can finally breathe easier as the state government has approved the payment of the new minimum wage, effective from October 2024.
This development came after the Delta State government, under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, made strides to ensure the welfare of workers, showcasing the administration’s commitment to improving the livelihood of civil servants.
The announcement was made by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu, during a meeting held on Wednesday between the minimum wage committee and the leadership of Delta’s Organized Labour.
The meeting included representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC).
The primary agenda was to finalize discussions on the implementation of the new wage structure.
Dr Emu explained that the decision to begin payment followed Governor Oborevwori’s direct orders to prioritize the welfare of workers.
“The committee initially agreed that payments couldn’t commence until the National Income Salaries and Wages Commission provided the chart detailing the new wage structure,” Emu noted.
He continued, “Now that we’ve received the chart, we’ve carefully reviewed the consequential adjustments and the implications these have on the state’s cash flow in the past few sessions.
Though we haven’t fully analyzed all future financial implications, the Governor has instructed us to proceed with payments immediately because he understands the struggles workers are facing.
His labour-friendly stance drives him to act swiftly.”
Governor Oborevwori’s proactive approach demonstrates his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
His decision comes at a time when the economic pressure on workers has grown due to rising inflation and other financial challenges across the country.
This move is set to provide much-needed relief for Delta’s civil servants, many of whom have been waiting anxiously for the implementation of the new wage structure.
In response, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Delta State, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, praised the Governor for his swift and decisive action.
Ofobruku emphasized that Governor Oborevwori had not only fulfilled his promise but had also made the work of labour unions significantly easier.
“The labour movement in Delta State is grateful to the Governor for promptly approving the 2024 minimum wage implementation without unnecessary delays,” Ofobruku stated.
He added, “The Governor had assured us earlier that as soon as the chart from the National Income and Salaries Wages Commission was available, he would authorize the payments.
Some doubted his commitment, thinking it was merely a political statement, but today, he has proven otherwise.”
The Governor’s decision to proceed with payments, even while acknowledging that some financial details are still being worked out, speaks volumes about his leadership.
Ofobruku also mentioned that any discrepancies that may arise during the wage adjustment process would be corrected later, but the Governor’s priority was to ensure that workers did not suffer any longer than necessary.
The meeting concluded with optimism from both government officials and labour representatives, who expressed hope that this collaboration would continue to benefit the workers of Delta State.
Governor Oborevwori’s administration is being lauded for its commitment to addressing the welfare of civil servants, reinforcing the strong relationship between the government and the labour unions.
This step is expected to provide a much-needed boost to morale among workers across the state, ensuring that they receive the financial support they deserve.
The implementation of the new minimum wage highlights the importance of strong leadership in addressing pressing issues that affect the lives of everyday people.
It also serves as a reminder that when state governments and labour unions work together effectively, the results can be transformative, leading to better living conditions for workers across the board.
News
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TV anchor Rufai Oseni makes headlines as he speaks on fuel subsidy in Nigeria. He shared that Nigeria can have fuel subsidy without the long queues at filling stations.
“When we were still paying subsidies, there were no long queues. We were subsidising. So you can still have a subsidy regime going on, and there will be no long queues because production was close by. Dangote had it. That’s just it. That argument also falls flat.
“The biggest beneficiaries of subsidy are not Nigerians. They are crony capitalists that have big infrastructure, and they do contracts. They have been the biggest beneficiaries of the subsidy,” he said.
News
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Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, speaks to those in the electricity sector about the usual blackouts in the state.
He speaks on ways things can change in the state and how electricity can be provided.
“We need to drop corporate egos, abandon long-standing excuses, and confront the harsh realities obstructing progress in the power sector.”
“We, state governments, used to give excuses that everything is centralised, so the Federal Government has unbundled it now. What have we done in a year and a half?” Sanwo-Olu asked.
“We take two steps forward, we go five steps backward,” he said.
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Sanwo-Olu Declares August 20 Public Holiday in Lagos for Isese Festival
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared Thursday, August 20, a work-free day for public servants in the state to mark the Isese Festival.
Speaking on the celebration, he said “Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” he said.
He added “When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage,” Aregbe said.
