Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is expected to commence the payment of a new minimum wage of N77,500 to workers in the state with effect from October.
Though no official statement has been released on the actual implementation amount, a dependable source who was privy to the outcome of the meeting held today, Wednesday, between government representatives and organized labour in the state told NewsNet Nigeria that both parties resolved at N77,500.
This medium reliably gathered that the agreed new minimum wage is contained in an already prepared chart of the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS).
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, disclosed the governor’s approval during the meeting of the Committee of the new minimum wage with the leadership of the Organized Labour in Delta State, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), to discuss the implementation of the new minimum wage.
Emu said the meeting was at the instance of Governor Oborevwori, who stated he had directed immediate payment of the new minimum wage starting in October.
“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.”
Responding, Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress NLC, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku commended Governor Oborevwori for the prompt approval, adding that he had made the work of labour easier.
“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.”
