Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the payment of the new minimum wage to workers in the state, effective from October.
This announcement was made by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, during a meeting with the leadership of the Organized Labour in Delta State, including the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and the Joint Negotiating Council, to discuss the implementation of the new wage.
Dr. Emu explained that the meeting was convened at the instance of Governor Oborevwori, who had directed the immediate payment of the new minimum wage from October, despite the outstanding consequential adjustments and their impact on the state’s cash flow.
“The minimum wage committee earlier agreed that we couldn’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,” Emu said.
He further stated that although all the ramifications of the adjustments had not been fully determined, the Governor had directed the immediate payment because he understands the financial strain faced by the people of the state.
“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,” Emu added.
In response, the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress in Delta State, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, commended Governor Oborevwori for his swift action in approving the new minimum wage. He acknowledged that the Governor had made the task of labour much 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,” Ofobruku said.
He continued, “He has made the job of labour 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 would pay any time the chart is out.”
Ofobruku emphasized that some had initially perceived the Governor’s promise as a mere political statement, but he had now proven that it was a genuine commitment.
“Some people thought he was making a political statement but today he has proved that his promise was not just a political statement,” he added.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for giving the go-ahead to implement the payment, promising that any discrepancies would be corrected later.
“We thank him for giving the go-ahead to implement the payment while we correct any discrepancies later,” Ofobruku concluded.
