The Chairman of the Delta State Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, and his counterpart the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Martins Bolum, have revealed why the labour union requested the state government to hold off on the implementation of the new minimum wage of ₦70,000.
Speaking at the 5th edition of the Journalist Hangout, tagged “Parley to Party,” organized by the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Asaba, Comrade Ofobruku emphasized that the delay was in the best interest of workers.
He explained that despite the approval of the new minimum wage, the labour union has yet to receive the enabling circular and the official commencement date from the federal government. According to him, the previous ₦30,000 minimum wage expired on April 19, 2024, with the new wage expected to take effect from May 1, 2024. However, without the necessary federal directive, the Delta NLC urged the state government to hold off on implementation to ensure the proper process is followed.
Comrade Ofobruku reassured workers that the funds for the new minimum wage have already been budgeted, and arrears would be paid once the circular is received.
He mentioned that he and his colleagues under the Trade Union Congress met with state officials to discuss the matter, stressing that implementation should only begin after receiving the template and consequential adjustment details from the federal government.
“We asked the government to step down the issue of the new minimum wage until we see the template. As we speak, we’ve been informed that the salary adjustments for levels 1 to 5 are ready, while levels 6 and above will be finalized in about two weeks.
“However, some of us objected to this phased approach because there has never been a time where implementation starts with the junior cadre first. If we start with the junior staff, it could lead to discrepancies where a Level 1 Step 1 worker earns ₦70,000, while a Level 5 worker earns ₦100,000, and a Level 8 officer earns less than ₦80,000. This could cause demotivation among workers,” Comrade Ofobruku explained.
He further assured workers that the NLC is working tirelessly to ensure arrears are paid, urging them to remain patient. “Workers should not be afraid or troubled because we are working round the clock to get arrears for workers. They should just believe in us as they believe in God,” he added.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Delta State NUJ, Comrade Churchill Oyovwe, expressed gratitude to the labour leaders for attending the event, noting that their presence highlights the critical role of the media in bridging the gap between the government and the workforce.
He emphasized that at this pivotal moment when the implementation of the new minimum wage is a significant concern, the insights and experiences shared by labour leaders are invaluable in helping journalists gain a deeper understanding of the ongoing efforts to ensure fair and just remuneration for workers in Delta State.
Comrade Oyovwe also stated that the Journalists Hangout serves as a platform to promote unity, dialogue, and collaboration within the profession. He added that it is not only an opportunity to socialize but also a space for meaningful discussions that address the role of journalists in shaping the broader society.
Credit: Golden Nation Multi Media
