2 weeks Ago By Oyibo Salihu
The Kogi state governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, Monday approved the sum of N72,500 as minimum wage for workers. The approval of the N72,500 minimum wage is #2,500 higher than what was approved in July by the federal government for workers in both private and public sectors. Governor Ododo, while receiving and signing the report of the Minimum Wage Committee, submitted by the chairman, Mr.
Elijah Evinemi who doubled as the Head of Service in Government House, Lokoja, said he was more committed to the overall welfare of all cadres of workers in the state. He consequently directed that the new minimum wage takes effect immediately. The governor who also approved tax relief to all the workers in the state for the next one year said there will be no any Pay- As – You – Earn ( PAYE) tax nor any form of deductions made within the next one year.
He noted that haven been a labour leader and a civil servant before going into partisan politics, he knew what the civil servants were passing through. He said: “Now that God has made me the governor, I would do all within the state resources to provide succour for the state work force. “I cannot forget where I came from.
I am a man from a humble background who became who I am by the grace of God and will therefore not use my position to oppress anyone but better the lot of the people “You people generously elected me as your governor and the resources of the state belongs to you all. I am just your chief servant and I will ensure that the resources are allocated to all sectors fairly and equitably,” the governor said..
