Makurdi: Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has approved a minimum wage of ?75,000 for workers in the state. Alia made this announcement through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, following a meeting with the organised labour on Monday in Makurdi.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the new minimum wage is set to take effect from November. The governor also addressed the remaining three months of the five-month backlog of salary arrears, which will be paid as outlined in the 2024 budget. These arrears will be settled in conjunction with the new wage structure.
Governor Alia emphasized that the decision to set the minimum wage at ?75,000 was made with consideration of various concerns raised by the organised labour during negotiations. The discussions included issues like a previous minimum wage of ?30,000, wage awards, transportation allowances, tax relief, and work-off days, among others. Alia noted, “Recall that the President had approved the sum of ?70,000, which we have decided to exc
eed, considering the concerns raised by organised labour regarding our ability to pay.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to serving the common man and ensuring that Benue workers are adequately compensated. The governor further stated that his drive to pay the arrears is motivated by a desire to alleviate the hardships faced by the workers.