Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah has approved an N80,000 minimum wage for the state’s workforce, including local government employees, effective October 2024.
This decision reflects his administration’s commitment to worker welfare, as promised during his campaign.
Mbah announced the new wage on Thursday following a meeting with the Enugu State Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, headed by Head of Service Kenneth Ugwu, alongside labor leaders.
“Today, I’m happy to announce a new minimum wage for workers in Enugu State, reflecting our fidelity to their welfare,” Mbah stated. He emphasized the importance of motivated workers in achieving the state’s economic goals and reducing poverty.
The Governor noted that the approval underscores his administration’s commitment to enhancing living conditions for workers. “Our commitment to improved workers’ welfare runs deep and is rooted in the understanding that an inspired workforce is crucial to our economic targets,” he said.
Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), expressed gratitude to the Governor for prioritizing workers’ welfare, calling the new wage “a great one for Enugu workers.” He remarked that previous minimum wage announcements often led to delays in implementation, but this time the amount exceeds the national minimum wage.
Comrade Ben Asogwa, Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), praised the Governor for addressing salary disparities among local government workers, stating, “This is the first time we are seeing the implementation of a minimum wage above the federal government’s approved amount.”
Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, Chairman of the Association of Local Government Workers (ALGON), pledged the commitment of council chairmen to implement the new wage immediately, emphasizing the link between worker motivation and productivity.
The swift approval and implementation of this new minimum wage mark a significant step in the Governor’s agenda to enhance the welfare of workers in Enugu State.
