Benue state Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has approved a minimum wage of ₦75,000 for workers in the state, exceeding the President’s approved sum of ₦70,000.
This announcement was made Monday at the state secretariat in Makurdi after a meeting with organised labour representatives.
The governor emphasised that his administration is committed to serving the common man and ensuring workers are properly taken care of.
He also promised to pay the remaining three months of the five-month backlog of arrears, as budgeted in the 2024 budget, effective November 2024.
Governor Alia acknowledged concerns raised by organised labour, including wage awards, transportation allowances, tax relief, and work-off days.
He reassured that his government will do everything possible to alleviate the effects of hardship on workers.
This development comes after some states, including Benue, were identified as potentially struggling to pay a new minimum wage due to financial constraints.
However, Governor Alia’s administration seems determined to prioritise workers’ welfare.
The approved minimum wage is a significant boost to the initial ₦30,000 minimum wage and demonstrates the state’s commitment to improving workers’ living standards.