The Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, has approved the immediate implementation of a minimum wage of ₦72,500 for civil servants in the state.
The Governor also announced a one-year suspension of the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax, adding that no form of deductions would be made within the next year from the salaries of civil servants in the state
Governor Ododo made this known on Monday during the unveiling of the new minimum wage package for civil servants in the state.
Signing the agreement after receiving a report from the Kogi state minimum wage implementation committee, the Governor said the new minimum wage is to enable workers cope with the current economic situation in the country.
In his words: “I can not forget where I came from, I am a man from a humble background who became who I am by the grace of God and will therefore not use my position to oppress anyone but to better the lots of the people.
“You people generously elected me as your governor, and the resources of the state belong to you all, I am just your chief servant and I will ensure that the resources are allocated to all sectors fairly and equitably.
“All you have seen today is the painstaking efforts of the labour leaders and government who conducted staff audit screenings in the previous administration all in a bid to ensure that the right people take what belongs to them as workers and not ghost workers.”
Ododo, while assuring prompt payment, appealed to workers in the state to continue to cooperate with his administration and give him all the necessary support to succeed.
The Chairman of the State Minimum Wage Committee, who is also the Head of Service, Elijah Evenemi, said the agreement on the minimum wage is not a victory for any political party but for the good of the masses.
He appreciated the governor for giving the committee a free hand to operate and achieve a common goal.
Naija News
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