Kwara Gov Directs Payment Of N70,000 Minimum Wage To Workers

The Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has directed the implementation of N70,000 new minimum wage for workers in the State from October, 2024.

The State’s Commissioner for Finance, Dr Hauwa Nuru, who made the disclosure in a statement on Saturday evening, added that the approval was in line with the new national minimum wage.

“In a significant move to enhance the welfare of workers in Kwara State, His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has approved the new minimum wage of N70,000 as announced by the federal government of Nigeria,” the Commissioner said.

She said the approved wage will be implemented across the Kwara State public service, with immediate effect from October 2024.

Nuru added: “This decision, which includes consequential adjustments to the relevant salary structures, was made after a successful tripartite meeting between government representatives, the leadership of the Organised Labour in Kwara State, — Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) — and representatives from the organized private sector.”

Nuru, who is the co-chairman of the minimum wage committee, expressed appreciation to Governor AbdulRazaq for giving the committee full autonomy to reach a consensus that benefits all parties involved.

The immediate implementation of the new wage underscores Governor AbdulRazaq’s proactive and worker-friendly approach, she said.

The commissioner said Governor AbdulRazaq remained committed to the welfare of public servants and all citizens of the state, as part of the broader vision for sustainable development and economic stability.

The template also covers workers in the 16 local government areas of the state, she noted.

Nuru further noted that the new wage policy was a timely and much-needed measure that will help cushion the effects of the current economic realities in a sustainable way.

She commended the collaborative spirit between the government and the labour unions, which made the feat possible.

“The new minimum wage is a testament to the state’s commitment to ensuring that workers’ welfare remains at the forefront of its policies,” she added.