From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello on Tuesday approved immediate Implementation of N30, 000 minimum wage for the state workers.
Governor Yahaya Bello who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Edward Onoja announced this on Tuesday in Lokoja during a meeting with the leadership of the organized labour in the state.
The Governor who approved the new minimum wage following a successful negotiations with the organised kabour said the welfare of civil servants remains the priority of his administration.
According to an agreement jointly signed by government and the labour, the new minimum wage
will be fully implemented for Grade Levels 01 to 06, while the percentage of the consequential adjustment for Grade Levels 07 to 17 will be partially implemented pending the time the economy of the State improves.
The details are for GL 07: 19.99 per cent out of 23.2 per cent, ; GL 08: 15.54 per cent out of 20 per cent; GL 09: 13.26 per cent out of 19 per cent ; GL 10: 11.32 per cent out of 16 per cent; GL 12: 9.83 per cent out of 16 per cent ; GL 13: 8.82 per cent out of 16 per cent; GL 14: 7.99 per cent out of 16 per cent; GL 15: 5.82 per cent out of 14 per cent; GL 16: 4.71 per cent out of 14 per cent ; GL 17: 2.47 per cent out of 14 per cent .
” It was equally agreed upon that the implementation takes effect immediately.
“That on the issues of cash backing for all promotions, payment of leave bonuses and annual increments, it was also agreed that the government will compute the financial implications in order to work out modalities for implementation,” both government and NLC said.
Bello, however, said the state government has maintained up-to-date prompt payment of salaries to its workers and thanked labour for their show of patriotism.
He reiterated government’s determination to ensure rapid development of the state, sustain peaceful coexistence and ensure the welfare of the people of Kogi State.
Earlier, the state Chairman of the Implementation committee and Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Folashade Ayoade said it was a fruitful deliberation with Labour in spite of initial setbacks.
In his reaction, the state Chairman NLC, Comrade Onu Edoka said that the approval of the new minimum wage will add value to the life of workers.
Edoka commended Governor Bello , Head of Service and the Secretary to the State Government for their efforts.
In her remarks, the Head of Service, Mrs Hannah Odiyo commended Governor Yahaya Bello for approving the implementation of the N30,000 , calling on workers to reciprocate by being more committed and dedicated to duty.
