By Austin Ogwuda
DELTA State government has officially announced that the payment of the new minimum wage to workers in the State should commence with effect from this October.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu disclosed this today (Wednesday) during a meeting of the Committee of the new minimum wage with leadership of the Organized Labour in Delta State, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC).
Emu said the meeting was at the instance of Governor Oborevwori (although presently on vacation) who was quoted to have directed immediate payment of the new minimum wage starting from the month of October.
According to the SSG, “The minimum wage committee earlier agreed that we can’t make payment until the National Income Salaries and Wages Commission sends the chart. We have now received the chart and we have in the last three sessions gone through the consequential adjustments and implications on our cash flow.
“Even though we have not been able to determine all the ramifications of the consequential adjustments on the future cash flow requirements of the State, the Governor directed we go ahead to pay because he feels the pains of the people as a labour friendly Governor”.
In his remark, the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress NLC, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku commended Governor Oborevwori for the prompt approval, saying, “The Labour movement in Delta State appreciates Governor Oborevwori for graciously approving the implementation of the 2024 minimum wage in Delta State without stressing us.
“He has made the job of labour to be less difficult. Before the National Income and Salaries Wages Commission released the chart and consequential adjustments, the Governor did assure labour and workers in the state that he will pay any time the chart is out.
“Some people thought he was making a political statement but today he has proved that his promise was not just a political statement.
“We thank him for giving the go ahead to implement the payment while we correct any discrepancies later”, the NLC boss added.
Photo caption: Delta SSG, Dr. Kingsley Emu (centre) Delta State NLC Chairman Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku (third from left) in a group photograph shortly after the meeting
