Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has made history by approving a minimum wage of N72,500 for the state’s lowest-paid workers, surpassing the federal government’s minimum wage by N2,500.
This move has sent public workers in the state into a joyful frenzy.
Governor Ododo’s approval came while receiving the report from the Kogi State Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, headed by Elijah Avenemi, the state’s Head of Service.
The governor emphasized his commitment to the overall welfare of all workers in the state, stating that he will ensure resources are allocated fairly and equitably.
Governor Ododo also approved a tax relief for all workers in the state for the next year, eliminating Pay-As-You-Earn, PAYE, tax and any other deductions from workers’ salaries.
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The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in the state, Gabriel Amari, praised Governor Ododo’s efforts, calling him the best workers’ friendly governor the state has ever had.
Amari expressed surprise at the seamless implementation process, noting that some states are yet to establish an implementation committee.
Ododo attributed his decision to his humble background, emphasizing that the state’s resources belong to the people, and he is committed to allocating them fairly.
Cyber Reporters gathered that the labour leaders and government officials conducted staff audit screenings in the previous administration to ensure fairness and eliminated ghost workers.
With this development, Kogi State has set a precedent for other states to follow in prioritizing workers’ welfare.
The governor said:
“I cannot forget where I came from. I am a man from a humble background who became who I am by the grace of God and will not use my position to oppress anyone but to better the lots of the people.
“You people generously elected me as your governor, and the resources of the state belong to you all. I am just your chief servant. I will ensure that the resources are allocated to all sectors fairly and equitably.
“All you have seen today is the painstaking efforts of the labour leaders and government who conducted staff audit screenings in the previous administration in a bid to ensure that the right people take what belongs to them as workers and not ghost workers.”
