Benue gov’t approves ₦75,000 Minimum Wage for workers
Story by Victor Itodo ABUH
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has approved a new minimum wage of ₦75,000 for workers across the state, marking a significant increase from the previous ₦30,000 wage.
The announcement was made on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Mr Tersoo Kula, following a meeting with organised labour representatives at the State Secretariat.
The new wage, effective November 2024, was described by the governor as a milestone in addressing workers’ welfare.
“We are implementing a new national minimum wage of seventy-five thousand naira (₦75,000),” the governor said in a statement.
The statement highlighted that the wage review factored in transportation allowances, tax relief, and other benefits raised during labour negotiations.
“We arrived at this figure after careful consideration of the issues raised by organised labour during negotiations, including the prior minimum wage of thirty thousand naira, wage awards, transportation allowances, tax relief, and work-off days, among other concerns,” it read.
Governor Alia stressed that the new minimum wage exceeds the ₦70,000 recently approved by the President, reflecting the state’s commitment to addressing workers’ concerns and the rising cost of living.
“My administration is committed to the welfare of the people,” he emphasized.
“We will do everything legitimately possible to ensure that Benue State workers are adequately supported.”
To ensure the implementation of the minimum wage, the state House of Assembly revised the 2024 supplementary budget, adding ₦23.6 billion to accommodate the changes.
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Speaker Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh presided over Monday’s plenary session, where the budget adjustment was approved.
The governor’s correspondence to the Assembly underscored the balance between fiscal responsibility and social equity, to alleviate financial hardships faced by workers.
In a related development, the House summoned key local government officials, including the chairmen of the 23 LGAs, DGSAs, and heads of Revenue Departments, to appear on Friday.
This was in response to a motion of urgent public importance raised by Mr Moses Egbodo, chair of the House Committee on Industry, trade, and Investment, concerning the exploitation of farmers over the use of Benue sacks.
Mr Abu Umoru, representing the Apa constituency, advocated for the free distribution of Benue sacks to ease the burdens on farmers facing insecurity.
Meanwhile, four bills had their first reading during the plenary. These include a bill to rename Benue State University after Reverend Moses Orshio Adasu, a bill to establish Benue State University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology in Ihugh, Vandiekya LGA, a bill to amend free and compulsory basic education and a bill to establish a task force on quality healthcare and prevention of quackery in the state.
Majority Leader Mr Saater Tiseer presented two of the bills, while Hon. Mrs Becky Orpin and Hon. Thomas Dugeri presented the others.
Acting Clerk Mr John Hwande read the bills for the first time, with the speaker referring them to the House standing committee on Rules and Business for further consideration.
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