Ekiti State Government has declared its intention to commence the immediate implementation of new minimum wage for its workers on Grade Level 7 to 17.
The state minimum wage is based on N19, 332 which is N1,332 more than the N18,000 passed into Law by the National Assembly.
Workers on Grade Level 1 to Grade Level 6 had been enjoying the new salary package since December 2011, while workers in on level 7 to 17 will start taking the new salary with effect from April 1, 2012.
This is consequent on the agreement reached by the state government and the leadership of the workers unions under the aegis of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), after months of negotiation.
Also, under the new agreement, pensioners in the state also got a 15 percent raise in their monthly pension.
The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Funminiyi Afuye, who disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, emphasized that the minimum wage is now across board. Afuye noted that Ekiti has now become one of the 11 states in the federation to implement the new minimum wage for workers in its employ in line with the National Minimum Wage Act of the National Assembly.
The government spokesman charged workers in the state to reciprocate the gesture by being committed and loyal to the state government describing the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led administration as “worker-friendly”.
Also speaking at the briefing, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Kolawole, noted that the state government in spite of its meagre allocation which stands at about N3 billion monthly, has deemed it fit to implement the new wage. Kolawole disclosed that some states in the federation which earn about N15 billion were yet to implement the new wage saying Ekiti government’s gesture is an indication of its interest in the welfare of its workers.
Meanwhile, labour leaders in the state have hailed the Governor Kayode Fayemi for approving the new wage for Ekiti workers, describing it as a manifestation of the state government’s commitment to the welfare of its workers.
The Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Kolawole Olaiya, said workers in the state are now happier and more motivated, adding that they will put in their best to support the Fayemi administration.
“This new wage you have signed is a manifestation of your good self, and a manifestation of your commitment to our welfare and we shall reciprocate this gesture”, Olaiya said.
Also speaking, the JNC chairman, Comrade Babatunde Ajayi, said he was happy with the new wage, adding that the new wage and the social security scheme of the government will make life easier for the people of the state.
Last modified: March 23, 2012
