Ekiti State Government Approves N70,000 Minimum Wage for Workers

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, officially approved a N70,000 minimum wage for all workers in Ekiti, effective December 1. This decision was solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the state government and organized labor leaders, marking a significant step forward in supporting worker welfare. This new wage plan is aimed at providing a fair standard of living to workers and pensioners across the state, with the approval extending to all categories within the public sector.

The MoU was signed on behalf of the government by Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, Head of Service for Ekiti State. Labor leaders from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) represented the workers’ interests. Dr. Olomojobi highlighted Governor Oyebanji’s proactive role in making the welfare of Ekiti State workers a top priority, describing him as a “worker-friendly governor” who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to improving workers’ quality of life.

Process of Reaching the New Wage Agreement

The journey to this wage approval began in August 2024, when Governor Oyebanji established a committee to negotiate the terms of the new minimum wage. This committee held extensive meetings over eight weeks, taking a thorough look at the state’s available resources to formulate a wage policy that would be both fair and financially sustainable. Dr. Olomojobi underscored the painstaking nature of the negotiations, commending the governor’s efforts to bridge the needs of workers with fiscal constraints.

The Head of Service noted that the new minimum wage is in line with best practices across the nation, setting a new standard within the state. In addition to the minimum wage, the agreement includes consequential adjustments that will apply across local government areas, state parastatals, and ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). Dr. Olomojobi emphasized that the state’s pensioners will also benefit from this wage increase, reflecting a commitment to broad-based welfare.

Ekiti State Labor Leaders and Workers Applaud Oyebanji’s Commitment

Leaders from the NLC, TUC, and JNC expressed their appreciation for the governor’s dedication to improving workers’ welfare. In their respective remarks, Comrades Kolapo Olatunde (NLC), Sola Adigun (TUC), and Femi Ajoloko (JNC) praised Oyebanji for his commitment to giving Ekiti workers the best possible deal. They noted that, compared with other states, Ekiti’s wage table and terms stand out as exceptionally favorable.

The labor leaders also highlighted that the wage increase will bring significant relief to Ekiti’s workforce and help to uplift retirees who have contributed years of service. In their view, the N70,000 minimum wage and accompanying adjustments position Ekiti State as a leader in labor welfare, setting an example that other states may look to emulate, because of the meagre resources coming to Ekiti state yet welfare of the workers is prioritize therefore the governor Oyebanji deserves commendation

Government Calls for Enhanced Service Delivery

Dr. Olomojobi encouraged Ekiti workers to reciprocate the government’s support by improving their productivity and dedication. She expressed her gratitude to the workforce for their patience throughout the negotiation process and urged them to enhance their service delivery to aid the administration’s success. Her remarks underscore a mutual commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and responsibility within the public service.

The governor’s administration has consistently paid salaries and pensions on time, typically by the 22nd of each month, alongside ensuring timely remittance of deductions to appropriate channels. These steps reflect the administration’s strong commitment to the state’s workforce, further solidified with this latest wage increase, as Ekiti positions itself as a model of labor relations and worker welfare . This action is tailored towards enhance quality of life of workers and also increase the economic activities in the state