Akeredolu Pledges Implementation Of New Minimum Wage For Ondo Workers

By Niyi Olutunde, Akure

The Ondo state governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has declared that his administration would support the implementation of the new minimum wage in the state.

Governor Akeredolu stated this on Thursday during the swearing in ceremony of the new executives of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Akure.

Akeredolu who was represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Toyin Akinkuotu said, “We are not against the new minimum wage and if we are not against it, we are in support.

He however pleaded with the federal government to urgently review the revenue formula to enable state and local governments in the Country to pay the new wage.

“Our prayer is that federal government should look into the revenue allocation Sharing formula, by giving more money to states and local governments to enable them implement the new minimum wage”, he added.

While congratulating the new NLC Executives, the Governor who commended the organised and peaceful conduct of the election and advised workers to cooperate with the new executive to protect their interest always.

In his acceptance speech, the new NLC chairman, Comrade Sunday Adeleye promised to ensure the implementation of the new minimum wage for Ondo state workers as approved the National Assembly.

Adeleye who took over from Comrade Tayo Ogunleye, said labour unions in Ondo state would start negotiations for the payment of the new minimum wage as soon as the National Income, salary and wages Commission (NISWC) releases the template for the new take home.

He said, “Everything about labour Unionism is challenging and we shall make welfare of the state workforce a priority; on the new minimum wage, we commence negotiations in our state here whenever the National salary commission comes up with template”.

The newly NLC Chairman expressed satisfaction with attitude of the present administration of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for not owing workers’ salaries since he assumed office in February 2017.

“Not that am praising the governor, he has kept his promise of not owing salaries. He has been paying and even cleared the arrears of salaries owed by the past administration. We believe that the governor will approve the outstanding requests (2018 leave bonus and January 2017 salary arrear) of the workers”

Swearing-in the new exco, the President of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba who was represented by the ASUU National President, Professor Abiodun Ogunyemi said the newly passed minimum wage could not be properly enjoyed by workers due to high goat of living.

Comrade Adeleye was elected unopposed while seven other new officers were elected into the positions of two Vice Chairmen, Treasurer, two Auditor and two ex-officio.

Ends.