Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced a landmark decision to raise the minimum wage for workers in the state to N77,000 from the previous N35,000. This wage increase, which comes into effect immediately, is currently the highest minimum wage in Nigeria, setting Ogun State apart from other states across the country.
The decision was revealed after a meeting between the state government, led by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and leaders of the Organized Labour in Ogun State, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC). The meeting focused on the implementation of this new wage policy.
Governor Abiodun has directed that no worker in Ogun State should earn less than N77,000 starting from October 2024. According to Talabi, the governor’s move is aimed at alleviating the economic challenges faced by workers in the state.
“The governor means well for the people of Ogun State,” said Talabi. “He has taken proactive steps to improve the living standards of workers and their families. This decision shows his commitment to reducing the hardship faced by our people.”
The new N77,000 minimum wage is not just a financial relief for many workers in Ogun State; it is also a symbol of Governor Abiodun’s commitment to improving the welfare of the state’s workforce.
Comrade Hameed Benco, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ogun State, expressed his satisfaction with the governor’s approval of the wage increase. “We are very pleased with Governor Abiodun’s decision to approve N77,000 as the minimum wage, making it the highest in the country,” said Benco.
He went on to explain that other states that have implemented new minimum wages are paying between N70,000 and N70,250, but Ogun State has surpassed them all. “This is a great moment for workers in the state, and we are happy to see that our government is leading by example,” Benco added.
Governor Abiodun’s decision to raise the minimum wage also includes a significant benefit for workers: the new basic salary will not be taxed. This means that workers will take home the full amount, without any deductions, providing even more financial relief.
In addition to increasing wages in the public sector, the governor has called on private sector employers in Ogun State to follow suit and increase their workers’ salaries to reflect the economic realities of the country.
“The governor has advised the organized private sector to take a cue from this policy. Workers in private companies are not exempt from the economic challenges we are all facing. The governor will set up a monitoring team to ensure that no one is short-changed,” explained Talabi.
Workers in Ogun State have expressed their gratitude to Governor Abiodun for the wage increase, calling it a much-needed relief at a time when the cost of living has soared across Nigeria.
“This is impressive! Our governor is truly worker-friendly,” said Comrade Akeem Lasisi of the Trade Union Congress (TUC). “The N77,000 minimum wage will make a big difference in the lives of workers and their families. We also look forward to further consultations on consequential adjustments for pensioners and other related matters.”
Similarly, Comrade Isa Olude of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) commended the governor for listening to the needs of the workforce. “The government has shown once again that they care about the wellbeing of workers. We are hopeful that this will be a step towards even greater improvements in the future,” Olude stated.
The new minimum wage has sparked conversations not only in Ogun State but across Nigeria. Many Nigerians have praised Governor Abiodun’s leadership in worker welfare, describing the move as a bold and commendable decision.
“This one go far ooo! Your favorite governors could never,” tweeted a resident, TimiPR, in response to the news. “God bless Ogun State!”
Another user, Bolatito Agboola, celebrated the decision with the message: “Congrats to my people of Ogun State.”
While the news has been met with widespread praise, some citizens have also taken the opportunity to call for improvements in other areas. “Tell him to fix the roads. There is no good road in Ogun State,” tweeted another user, expressing concerns about infrastructure in the state.
The new N77,000 minimum wage comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with rising inflation and high living costs. Food prices, transportation costs, and rent have all surged in recent months, making it difficult for many families to make ends meet.
Governor Abiodun’s wage increase is seen as a necessary measure to help workers cope with these challenges. However, it also puts pressure on other state governments to follow Ogun State’s lead and implement similar increases in their own regions.
Across Nigeria, the minimum wage issue has been a topic of heated debate. In 2019, the Federal Government raised the national minimum wage to N30,000, but many states have struggled to implement this policy due to budgetary constraints. Some states, such as Ekiti and Kano, have adjusted their minimum wages to N70,000 or more, but Ogun State’s N77,000 remains the highest.
The wage increase also reflects a growing recognition of the need for government intervention in the face of Nigeria’s economic difficulties. In recent months, many Nigerian states have been considering raising wages as part of broader efforts to improve the standard of living for their citizens.
