Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has officially approved a new minimum wage of seventy-two thousand five hundred naira (₦72,500) for civil servants in the state, effective immediately. The governor’s decision also includes a temporary suspension of the tax burden on this increased sum for a period of one year, providing further relief to workers.
The announcement came on Monday after Governor Ododo signed the formal agreement implementing the new wage structure. Speaking on behalf of the Minimum Wage Committee, its Chairman, Mr. Elijah Evenemi, emphasized that this agreement should be seen as a victory for the people rather than any political party. He highlighted that the wage increase is a step forward in improving the lives of Kogi State’s workers and citizens.
Mr. Evenemi also expressed his gratitude to the governor for allowing the committee full autonomy in their deliberations, which enabled them to reach a decision that benefits the workforce. He remarked, “This is not just a political achievement, but a significant step towards bettering the livelihood of the masses.”
The wage adjustment in Kogi follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a new national minimum wage of seventy thousand naira (₦70,000) for Nigerian workers on July 18, 2024. The President had also committed to reviewing the national minimum wage law every three years to ensure that workers’ earnings keep pace with economic realities.
Governor Ododo’s approval of an amount higher than the national minimum demonstrates his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of Kogi State’s civil servants. The tax suspension for one year provides an additional incentive to ease the financial burden on workers, making the new wage structure even more beneficial.
With this new policy in place, Kogi State joins other progressive states in prioritizing workers’ welfare amidst national economic challenges.
