Ogun State Approves N18,250 New Minimum Wage

By Kolade Larewaju

THE Ogun State Government yesterday approved N18.250 as Minimum Wage for the least paid public worker in the state.

In an agreement signed between the state government and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, and the Joint Negotiating Council, JNC, the implementation of the new wage takes effect August 1.

The parties also agreed on a table for implementation of the new wage.

A statement by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, said the agreement was arrived at after series of negotiations.

According to him, the state negotiating team was led by Princess Iyabo Odulate, Head of Service, while the labour team consisted of Comrade Akeem Ambali, state chairman of NLC; Comrade Seyi Adebanjo, state chairman of TUC; Comrade Sunday Adeegbe, chairman of JNC; and Comrade Steve Modupe, secretary of JNC.

Apart from the Head of Service, other members of the government team,  were Mrs. Yetunde  Kujore, Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishment and Training; Alhaji K. A. Ogunfowodu, Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Employment Generation Programme; Alhaji A. F. A. Opebiyi, Permanent Secretary, Service Matters; Mr. B. M. Salawu, Permanent Secretary, State Pension; and Mr. O. V. Osunfisan, permanent secretary/Solicitor General.

Describing the agreement as a good gesture, Princess Odulate said “it is the hope of the state government that the civil servants will reciprocate this good gesture with continued dedication, loyalty and improved efficiency in the discharge of their duties.”

She explained that Ogun State workers would rank among the first to enjoy this new salary package, reiterating that the “state government realises the importance of the civil service to the smooth running of its administration.”