Workers in Ogun State have started rejoicing, upon the alerts of October salary received from their respective banks, with the new minimum wage increase.
It would be recalled that the State Government had an agreement with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) to effect the new mimimum wage and this has been fulfilled.
Some workers who spoke with news men expressed their happiness for the payment of the minimum wage, saying this was a welcome development.
Expressing his delight, Commander Oluwafemi Odukalu of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) said, “to be honest I was expecting something close to that increment but when I saw the actual amount added, I was overwhelmed because i didn’t expect that much” thanking the Governor for fulfilling the promise.
On her part, Oluwatosin Owotomo of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology appreciated the Governor for keeping the promise made and for not paying lip service to the welfare of workers.
In an interview with the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Abdulwaheed Odusile, he said, “it is a good thing, the Governor has promised the labour that he would pay and this is another promise made and promise kept”.
According to the Commissioner, “the Government of Prince Dapo Abiodun will always take the welfare of workers seriously, just as it is committed to the welfare of all residents and indigenes of the State”.
Odusile thereafter enjoined workers to be up and doing and dedicated to their work so that “we can have the Ogun State of our dreams”.
On his part, the Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Emmanuel Bankole said, “the payment of new minimum wage is a commendable and welcome development” while appreciating the Governor on behalf of entire Organized Labour in Ogun State for fulfilling his promise on the new minimum wage.
Comrade Bankole added that it is our hope that this development will open a new vista of collaboration, trust and understanding between government and labour in the State while reassuring the Governor of the unalloyed loyalty and support of workers to his administration.
“No doubt, the payment of new minimum wage to civil and public servants will greatly motivate the workers for enhanced productivity and efficiency”, the NLC Chairman disclosed.