Abiodun Approves N77,000 Naira Minimum Wage for Workers

By Abimbola Bamgbose

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has approved a new minimum wage of N77,000 for the lowest-paid workers in the state, with immediate effect.

The decision was announced following a meeting between the state government, led by the Secretary to the State Government SSG, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, and leaders of the Organized Labour in Ogun State.

The labour leaders present included representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, and the Joint Negotiating Council JNC.

The meeting focused on the implementation of the new minimum wage.

According to Talabi, the governor’s directive ensures that no worker in Ogun State will earn less than N77,000 beginning in October.

He emphasized that Governor Abiodun is committed to alleviating the economic challenges the people of the state face. 

Also, the governor urged the private sector to follow suit by reviewing their workers’ wages to reflect current economic realities, thereby improving overall living standards in the state.

State NLC Chairman, Comrade Hameed Benco, expressed satisfaction with the new wage, noting that it is currently the highest in the country. He highlighted that other states implementing the new minimum wage offer lower amounts, with some paying N70,000 or slightly more. He added that the new wage will affect other sectoral salaries accordingly.

Benco also confirmed that the government has agreed to exempt the new basic salary from taxation.

Similarly, Comrade Akeem Lasisi of the TUC and Comrade Isa Olude of the JNC commended the government for its worker-friendly approach. They also noted that pension adjustments and other related matters would be addressed in due course after further consultations with stakeholders.

In his remarks, Ogun State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, praised the governor for his swift action, stating that the new wage demonstrates the government’s sensitivity to the needs of its workers and the general populace.

He expressed optimism that the move would boost worker morale and encourage greater commitment to implementing government policies.

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