Ododo Pledges to Promote Workers’ Welfare, Labour Demands N35,000 Wage Award

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo has pledged  to implement policies that will promote the rights of workers, restating his commitment to implement agreements towards improving workers’ welfare in the state was on course.

 Ododo made the promise while responding to the organised labour demands during the 2024 May day celebration in Lokoja yesterday.

Ododo noted that all other requests made by the unions will be looked into as well by the government.

Despite the interventions, he stated that he was aware that the current minimum wage in Nigeria requires an upward review.

“As a state, we may not be there right now, but I can assure you that soon and very soon, ongoing conversation about compensation for civil servants in the state will be concluded.

“At this juncture, I want to specially commend the labour unions in the state for the collaborative spirit between the government and labour centres. Your constructive engagement has enabled us to address issues and find solutions together, thereby fostering a conducive environment for the growth and development of the state,” he said.

He urged workers to remain calm, peaceful and supportive of the government as partners in progress.

On security, Ododo said his administration was winning the war against crimes and criminalities.

Earlier in his address, the State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) ,  Gabriel Amari,  appealed to the state government to implement the N35,000 wage award.

  Amari disclosed that  the current N30,000 national minimum wage falls short of meeting basic needs of workers in the prevailing market conditions of the country.

“We advocate for the immediate implementation of a wage award totalling around N35,000 in Kogi State. This adjustment is not only fair but also urgent, given the relentless rise in the costs of goods and services, which continuously erodes the purchasing power of workers.

“Until the long-awaited negotiations for a new minimum wage are concluded and put into effect, the wage award would serve as a temporary relief for workers grappling with the current economic hardships.