Ogun to pay N18,250 as minimum wage

The Ogun State government Thursday surprised its workers by approving that the least paid worker in the state will earn a monthly wage of N18,250. What the National Minimum Wage provided for by law is N18,000.

In an agreement signed yesterday between the state government and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), the group agreed that the implementation of the new minimum wage will commence from August 1, 2011.

The two teams also agreed on a table reflecting how the minimum wage will affect workers on other salary scales.

The agreement was arrived after negotiations led by the state Head of Service, Iyabo Odulate. The labour team consisted of Akeem Ambali, state chairman of NLC; Seyi Adebanjo, state chairman of TUC; Sunday Adeegbe, chairman of JNC; and Steve Modupe, secretary of JNC.

Describing the agreement as a good gesture, Mrs Odulate said: “It is the hope of the state government that the civil servants will reciprocate this good gesture of the government with continued dedication, loyalty and improved efficiency in the discharge of their duties.” She explained that Ogun State workers would rank among the first to enjoy the new salary package, reiterating that the state government recognises the importance of the civil service to the smooth running of its administration.