The Governor of Benue in North Central Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has given the green light to a new minimum wage of ₦75,000 for workers in the state.
The Governor made the announcement on Monday, at the Benue State Civil Service Secretariat in Makurdi, the state capital.
During a meeting with the organized labour representatives, the Governor also revealed that the outstanding three months of arrears promised to the union will be settled as outlined in the 2024 budget, alongside the new minimum wage, starting from November 2024.
He explained, "We have decided to implement a new national minimum wage of seventy-five thousand naira (₦75,000), taking into account the various concerns raised by organized labour during negotiations.
These concerns included a minimum wage of thirty thousand naira, wage increases, transportation allowances, tax breaks, and work-off days."
Highlighting the President's approved amount of ₦70,000, the Governor emphasized his decision to go above and beyond in recognition of the challenges faced by workers in the state.
He reassured the public of his government's commitment to the well-being of the people, particularly the state's workers, and pledged to do everything within his power to ensure their needs are met.
The Governor's determination to clear the arrears was fueled by a desire to alleviate the financial strain on workers, underscoring his dedication to serving the Benue community.