-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) -By Albert OGRAKA:
Al last, after series of meetings between the Delta State Government and mounting pressure from Labour unions on the new national minimum wage for workers in the state, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has finally agreed to the full implementation of the new wage as earlier approved by the Federal Government in 2019.
Also approved is the arrears of two months with effect from November 1, 2019.
The Secretary to Delta State Government, Mr Chiedu Ebie who is the Chairman of the Negotiation Committee disclosed this after signing the new minimum wage documents on behalf of the state government.
Mr. Ebie said the implementation of the new minimum wage will commence from November 1, 2019, while stating that the state government will commence payment from January and pay the arrears of the new minimum wage with the January and February salaries.
Mr Ebie who said the state government’s action is in line with the directive of the National Income and Wages Commission, noted that Governor Okowa has always been willing to pay the new Minimum wage pointing out that the delay was to address all the issues bordering on the consequential adjustment.
He assured workers in the state that His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa would continue to prioritize the welfare of workers as he was passionate about their wellbeing, even as he enjoined the state workforce to reciprocate government gesture by redoubling their commitment to their duties.
Mr. Ebie thanked both the government and Labor teams for their resilience in making the outcome of the negotiations fruitful.
Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, the Labor team leader and state NLC Chairman as well as the State chairman of the Trade Union Congress TUC, Comrade Martins Bolum commended the state government for its transparency towards the smooth conclusion of the negotiation exercise.
With the development, Delta State is now the sixth State to implement the new minimum wage in the country and the first in the South South and South East regions.
