Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday, approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for workers in the state.
The approval followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the state government and leaders of organised labour in the state.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Yinka Oyebode, stated that the new minimum wage would be effective from December 1.
The wage agreement was signed on behalf of the state government by the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, while leaders of the labour centres in the state signed on behalf of workers.
Olomojobi said that Oyebanji approved the template the way it was presented by the committee based on the governor’s commitment to prioritising workers’ welfare and wellbeing.
The HoS described Oyebanji as a “worker-friendly governor,” who desired the best for workers in the state, and thanked the labour leaders for their understanding, patience and dexterity in achieving the best for the workers.
She also thanked Ekiti workers “For waiting patiently for the outcome of the decision of the committee and their unwavering trust in the state government that it will give them the best deal” as she called on workers to reciprocate the government gesture by enhancing their service delivery.
Olomojobi added, “Today is another landmark in the history of Ekiti State as we come together to sign the new minimum wage for Ekiti State Public servants. I want to first appreciate our Governor, who on the 31st of August, 2024 put together the committee to negotiate Ekiti state public service minimum wage.
“This committee has taken not less than eight weeks to meet to deliberate on the minimum wage for Ekiti State. I want to emphasise that this was a very painstaking process, it was a process that brought to bear the funds available to Ekiti.
“In the midst of this, Mr Governor bent forward and backwards to accommodate our yearnings, and today, we have agreed on the minimum wage to be paid in Ekiti State.”
In their remarks, the state chairmen of Nigeria Labour Congress, Kolapo Olatunde; Trade Union Congress, Sola Adigun and Joint Negotiating Council, Femi Ajoloko, lauded Oyebanji for his efforts at giving the best to Ekiti workers.
The labour leaders urged the government to expedite action in the implementation of the agreement for the workers to attend to their financial needs in view of the economic situation in the country.
The commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said, “The agreement on the consequential adjustments on the minimum wage for all sectors of workers is a testament to the governor’s passion for the welfare of the civil servants.”
