Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has approved a new minimum wage of N72,500 for civil servants in the state, surpassing the federal government’s recently established minimum wage of N70,000. This decision, which took effect immediately, has been met with joy and relief from public workers, as it offers a wage boost of N2,500 above the federal standard, which was approved by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024. Governor Ododo also granted a one-year tax relief on this new minimum wage, ensuring that workers will not face Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax deductions or any other salary deductions for the next year.
Governor Ododo, who announced the decision after receiving a report from the Kogi State Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, emphasized that the new wage is aimed at addressing the current economic realities faced by workers. He expressed his commitment to the welfare of all cadres of workers in the state, stating that his leadership is driven by his humble background and desire to uplift the people. “I cannot forget where I came from,” he remarked, pledging to use the state’s resources equitably for the benefit of the people, rather than for personal gain.
The chairman of the Minimum Wage Committee, Elijah Avenemi, highlighted that the decision to raise the minimum wage was not driven by political motives but for the good of the masses. He appreciated the governor’s leadership, noting that the committee had been given the freedom to operate and achieve a result that benefits workers. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) chairman in Kogi State, Gabriel Amari, also commended the swift and seamless process of arriving at the new wage, adding that many states are yet to implement similar measures.
Governor Ododo’s approval of the higher minimum wage and tax relief demonstrates his administration’s commitment to improving the livelihood of Kogi State workers. This decision positions Kogi as one of the most worker-friendly states in the country, ahead of many others that are still struggling to finalize their minimum wage policies. In the face of economic challenges, the governor’s proactive approach to worker welfare underscores his dedication to ensuring that the state’s resources are fairly distributed and that public workers are adequately supported.
SOURCES
- https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/10/ododo-dwarfs-fg-raises-minimum-wage-to-n72500/amp/
- https://punchng.com/ododo-approves-n72500-minimum-wage-for-kogi-workers/
