By Dada Ahmed, Lokoja.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of kogi state.
The Kogi State Government began disbursing salaries on Wednesday under the newly adjusted national minimum wage of N72,500, surpassing the N70,000 approved by the federal government.
During a visit to the state secretariat near General Hassan Katsina Road in Lokoja, our correspondent observed that many state civil servants were spotted discussing the salary increase with enthusiasm.
Workers, who spoke with The Reporters in Lokoja, expressed satisfaction with the appreciative boost in their take-home pay, as reflected in their salary alert posted to them by their banks.
They praised Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for implementing the wage increase, which exceeds the federal government’s approved rate.
A civil servant, identified as Esther, expressed her excitement: “I can’t help but offer constant praise and prayers for our workers’ friendly Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for approving the new minimum wage for Kogi workers. I expected the governor to stick with the N70,000 approved by the federal government, but instead, he raised it to N72,500.
“This is fantastic news for us civil servants and our families. The salary increase will help us meet our financial obligations, especially in this tough economic climate.”
Other workers echoed similar sentiments, commending the Ododo administration for prioritizing the welfare of state employees, in line with his campaign promises.
Another civil servant, who chose to remain anonymous, praised the timely implementation of the wage increase but urged the government to establish a price control board to prevent market traders from exploiting the wage hike by arbitrarily raising prices on essential goods.
The anymous worker, a director in the state Ministry of Agriculture however advised, “This is necessary to ensure that workers can fully enjoy the benefits of the new minimum wage.”
The Reporters recalls that about three weeks ago, Governor Ododo approved the payment of the new minimum wage for Kogi workers, increased it by N2,500, and suspended all taxes on salaries for one year. He also announced an additional N10,000 for harmonization of pensions for state retirees.
