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Sequel to the Tuesday nationwide protest by Nigerian workers, governors, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta; Ben Ayade of Cross River State and Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano has pledged to support the N30,000 minimum wage demand by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
The governors made the pledge in their respective states in reaction to protesting workers under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress, the United Labour Congress (ULC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC)
Gov. Okowa
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Tam Brisibe, the Okowa while speaking to labour unions at the Government House, Asaba said that his administration had always maintained a cordial relationship with the labour unions.
He added that his administration would continue to ensure that workers welfare was sustained and prioritised.
“You know that we have never had any issues with labour in Delta, and my government as you all know is a labour-friendly government.
“We acknowledge the letter that you sent in respect of the new national minimum wage; I am sure with the previous discussion your executives had with the government, you already have my commitment.
“Once the Federal Government establishes the new minimum wage and puts it into law, Delta government will implement it immediately.
“We all know that it is not the responsibility of the Delta Government to say what the wage should be but once that is agreed on, we will implement,’’ Okowa said.
Gov Ayade
Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has said that his government will implement the N30, 000 minimum wage immediately president Buhari puts his signature to the bill.
He stated this on Tuesday in Calabar while receiving some aggrieved workers in his office. Governor Ayade said that the statewide rally by workers was justified as workers needed the new minimum wage.
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon John Olafor said, “The State will pay the minimum wage. It is the right of the workers to demand for the new wage of N30, 000.
“N30, 000 is just alright and as such, we will ensure that any step you take on the realisation of this very timely demand is achieved,” he stated.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade John Ushie regretted that the tripartite committee on the National minimum wage, comprising the government and organized private sector concluded its work and submitted the report with a draft bill to President Buhari on November 6th, 2018 but nothing had been done.
“Six governors were members of the committee that worked out the new wage which implies that the report and draft bill were the collective efforts of the broadest spectrum of all concerned parties and this should command the support of every governor”, he said.
Ganduje
The Government of Kano State has also restated its commitment to pay the new minimum wage of N30,000 with additional N600.
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano disclosed this when members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) staged a peaceful protest to the government house on Tuesday in Kano.
He said that his administration has given priority to the welfare of civil servants in the state.
Represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Nasiru Gawuna, he said that Kano state was among the few States in the country that pays monthly salary on time.
“We are ready to pay N30,000 monthly salary because welfare of our workers is paramount to anything and we will always give it preference.
“We will pay the N30,600 as soon as all processes are completed,” he added.
Ganduje then urged women and youths to stay away from drug abuse and addiction due to their harmful effects to health.
”Our women, particularly married women and youths must say no to drug abuse and addiction. They should stop abusing it because it will ultimately damage their systems and cut short their lives,” he warned.
Earlier, the NLC Chairman in the state, Mr Kabiru Minjibir, commended the governor for his commitment to pay the minimum wage of N30,600.
”We are not surprise for this kind gesture taking into consideration your labour friendly disposition.
“We also urge your excellency to convey our polite gesture to your co-governors to enlighten the public on new national minimum wage and it’s speedy enactment into law,” he added.