Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has officially approved a new minimum wage of N72,500 for civil servants, effective immediately.
This announcement comes following the recommendations of the Kogi State Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, led by the Head of Service, Elijah Avenemi.
While addressing the committee, Governor Ododo emphasized his commitment to enhancing the welfare of state workers.
He stated, “I cannot forget where I came from. I am a man from a humble background who became who I am by the grace of God, and will therefore not use my position to oppress anyone but to better the lots of the people.”
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In addition to the wage increase, the governor announced a year-long tax relief for all state workers, suspending the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax and other deductions.
He underscored the importance of fair resource allocation, asserting that the state’s resources belong to its citizens, and he views himself as their “chief servant.”
Ododo also reflected on his past as a labor leader and civil servant, expressing understanding of the challenges faced by workers. “I will ensure that the resources are allocated to all sectors fairly and equitably,” he assured.
Commending the governor’s swift action, Comrade Gabriel Amari, the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, described Ododo as the most worker-friendly governor Kogi has ever seen.
He noted the rapid implementation of the minimum wage, highlighting that many states are still lagging in this regard.
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Amari pledged the commitment of the organized labor to support the governor’s plans for the state, promising that workers would remain dedicated to their duties in light of these developments.
This wage adjustment follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent enactment of a national minimum wage of N70,000, aimed at enhancing the financial stability of Nigeria’s lowest-paid workers.
Other states, including Adamawa, Lagos, and Rivers, have also begun implementing this new minimum wage.
