The Delta State government has approved the payment of the new minimum wage to workers in the state, effective October.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu, disclosed this yesterday during a meeting of the committee on the new minimum wage with the leadership of the organised labour in Delta State, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), to discuss the implementation of the new minimum wage.
Emu said the meeting was at the instance of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who he stated has directed immediate payment of the new minimum wage starting in October.
“The minimum wage committee earlier agreed that we can’t make payment until the National Income Salaries and Wages Commission sends the chart. We have now received the chart, and in the last three sessions, we have gone through the consequential adjustments and implications on our cash flow.
“Even though we have not been able to determine all the ramifications of the consequential adjustments on the future cash flow requirements of the state, the Governor directed we go ahead to pay because he feels the pains of the people as a labour-friendly governor.”
Responding, the chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress NLC, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, commended Governor Oborevwori for the prompt approval, adding that he had made the work of labour easier.
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“The Labour movement in Delta State appreciates Governor Oborevwori for graciously approving the implementation of the 2024 minimum wage in Delta State without stressing us.
“He has made the job of labour less difficult. Before the National Income and Salaries Wages Commission released the chart and consequential adjustments, the governor did assure labour and workers in the state that he would pay any time the chart is out.
“Some people thought he was making a political statement, but today, he has proved that his promise was not just political.
“We thank him for giving the go-ahead to implement the payment while we correct any discrepancies later.”
