Civil servants in Osun State have criticized Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration for the delay in implementing the new minimum wage.
The workers expressed their frustrations during statements made on Monday in Osogbo, asserting that the implementation of the new wage is long overdue.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that one civil servant, Opemipo, emphasized that workers in the state have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of the new minimum wage. She suggested that the government’s delay in implementing the wage appears to be a tactic to stall progress.
“I wonder what is causing the delay. Other neighboring states have implemented theirs, and I wonder what is delaying our own. This economic hardship is becoming unbearable, and I appeal to Governor Adeleke to act fast,” she said.
Another civil servant, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, expressed disappointment, stating that workers had hoped Osun would be among the first states to implement the new minimum wage.
He noted that the current salaries are insufficient to support their families amidst the prevailing hardships in the country.
“We are worried over the delay. No matter how little the minimum wage might be, at least it will assist in fixing one or two things. But now that the government is not coming forth with what it is willing to pay, it is a serious source of concern for us.
“States like Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, Kwara, Ogun, and others have implemented theirs; why Osun? This shows a lack of commitment to the welfare of workers in the state. I hope the state government will come out on time to let the workers know their fate,” he stated.
Another senior officer, who also requested anonymity, criticized the state government for not releasing a clear plan for implementing the new minimum wage.
“I wonder if the state government knows what we, the civil servants, are passing through in this hard time. If they do, I don’t expect them to delay the implementation of the new wage. I hope the delay is not a plot to pay unreasonable minimum wage to workers. We are struggling to cope with this harsh economic situation in the country, and the state government’s delay in the implementation of the minimum wage is adding to our plight,” he said.
In response to the concerns, Information Commissioner Kolapo Alimi stated that the committee established by the governor to evaluate the implementation of the minimum wage would soon complete its work and seek necessary approvals.
In a recent statement, Mr. Alimi mentioned that the committee, approved by the governor, has been diligently working to conclude its assignment without any issues. He added that the governor is committed to sustainable implementation of the minimum wage in line with the administration’s five-point agenda.
