By: Abdulhafeez Oyewole
Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has directed the immediate implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage, following the Federal Government’s announcement.
The Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, confirmed this in a statement released over the weekend, signed by Babatunde Toyin Abdulrasheed, Press Secretary of the Ministry of Finance.
Dr. Nuru announced, “The Governor has approved the payment of the new minimum wage across the public service in Kwara State, effective from October 2024.”
She further clarified that the wage increase includes consequential adjustments to the salary structures, following a successful tripartite meeting with government representatives, labour unions, and the organized private sector.
Expressing her gratitude, the Commissioner said, “We deeply appreciate Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership and his commitment to ensuring the well-being of workers. His Excellency granted the wage committee the autonomy to reach a consensus that benefits all stakeholders.”
Dr. Nuru emphasized that the prompt implementation of the new wage demonstrates the Governor’s “proactive and worker-friendly stance.”
She highlighted that the wage policy will be applied to workers across the state, including those in the 16 local government areas.
“The Governor’s administration remains committed to the welfare of public servants as part of his broader vision for sustainable development and economic stability in Kwara State,” she added.
The Finance Commissioner also praised the collaborative efforts between the government and labour unions, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC).
“This achievement is a result of the cooperative spirit between the government and the labour unions, prioritizing workers’ welfare while maintaining sustainability,” she noted.
In her concluding remarks, Dr. Nuru reiterated, “The new minimum wage is a timely measure that addresses the current economic challenges and reaffirms the state’s commitment to the welfare of its workforce.”