Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan basking in the euphoria of his victory at the April 26 governorship polls has assured workers of the preparedness of his administration to implement the new minimum wage of N18, 000.

Uduaghan in his May Day address read on his behalf by his deputy, Prof Amos Utuama (SAN) told the workers at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) joint rally in Asaba on Sunday once guidelines have been worked out for the new minimum wage, he would start implementing it.

“The issue of eighteen thousand minimum wage has already become a law and we have approved it in principle but we are awaiting the necessary guidelines for its implementation.

“We have largely kept our promises to our workers having implemented promotion packages, employed new workers where necessary and paid salaries and allowances as at when due.

“We have fully implemented all salary structures,, which include those of medical and health workers, the judiciary, colleges of education, polytechnics and universities and the main civil service. We will not let workers down believing that a worker is entitled to his wages.”

He noted, “despite the tight financial environment under which we are operating, we will continue to meet our obligations to the workers of Delta State as at when due. All we expect from you in return is greater dedication, patience and loyalty to the government.”

Uduaghan observed that his administration besides the major projects like the Asaba International Airport, the various road dualization, was on “a steady march to” its vision of creating a virile and strong Delta State that could survive without the vagaries in the international oil market.

But he said that the workers had huge roles to play in nurturing and sustaining the dreams and aspirations of the state government. “You are the engine room of administrative procedures and the bureaucracy. It behooves you to undertake reorientation to be able to render services in line with the new vision of the state.”