By Blessing Obed, JKNMedia, Reporter
OGUN State Governor Dapo Abiodun has assured that his administration will make a decisive move regarding the new minimum wage.
During the 2024 Workers’ Day celebration and rally themed “People First, he announced plans to convene a meeting with labour leaders to reach a mutually beneficial decision.
Governor Abiodun disclosed that his administration has disbursed N128.3 billion for pensions and gratuities to both local and state government retirees, highlighting other financial commitments, including N2.8 billion for leave bonuses, N13.4 billion for outstanding deductions, and N8 billion for palliatives to workers and pensioners.
Furthermore, he emphasized the enhancement of car and motorcycle refurbishing loans by 100%, benefitting around 10,982 civil servants with approximately N1.3 billions disbursed so far.
Regarding workers’ welfare, the government noted the provision of a N10,000 transport allowance to civil servants for nine months, totaling N8 billion, reiterating the payment of 40% of basic salary as Peculiar Allowance and the absorption of Ogun TEACh interns into the mainstream civil service after two years of meritorious service.
The governor highlighted his administration’s efforts in healthcare including the expansion of health insurance coverage through the “Ilerapo scheme, benefiting over 70,000 people with over 1,500 free surgeries conducted.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, represented by the state controller, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to workers’ rights, citing various palliative measures.
State chairman of the Trade Union Congress commended the governor’s leadership and response to socio-economic challenges.
The state’s May Day celebration culminated in the presentation of the Best Friendly Governor Award to Governor Dapo Abiodun by the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress accompanied by a march past by various unions.
