By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Osun State Government and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) on Friday officially signed an agreement to implement the approved minimum wage of ₦75,554.28 for workers and other state employees.

The new minimum wage will take effect from 1 December, with arrears for November included.

Before the signing ceremony, the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, informed journalists that Governor Ademola Adeleke had also graciously approved a ₦25,000 payment for all pensioners across the board.

The Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, who represented the Governor at the signing event held at the Governor’s Office in Abere, Osogbo, highlighted the significance of the agreement, describing it as the result of a cordial and productive collaboration between the government and the labour union.

Adewusi urged workers to reciprocate the Governor’s gesture by demonstrating increased productivity, punctuality, and diligence in their duties.

He remarked, “The era of working for ‘monkey dey chop’ is over. We must justify the salaries we earn. We are also committed to clearing all outstanding half-salaries inherited from previous administrations. The delay in resolving this issue is due to the contributory pension demands of retired senior citizens, who also deserve better treatment.”

The State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Chris Arapasopo, praised Governor Adeleke as a worker-friendly leader.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Arapasopo described the negotiation process as seamless and unprecedented in the history of Osun State. He referred to the Governor as a “Talk and Do” leader, commending his commitment to fulfilling promises despite economic challenges.

Earlier, the State Head of Service, Mr S.A. Ania, emphasised that the implementation of the new minimum wage was the result of exhaustive negotiations and careful deliberations between the government and organised labour.

He stated, “The effective commencement date for the new minimum wage is 1 December 2024, with one month’s arrears to be paid. Other salary structures within the public service system will also be addressed in due course.

“This initiative aligns with the administration’s 5-Point Action Plan, prioritising the welfare of workers and pensioners to ensure a productive public service that delivers efficient and effective service across the state.”

The Head of Service also revealed that the Governor had approved an improved pension package of ₦25,000 for all pensioners in the state.

“This decision reflects the administration’s commitment to addressing the plight of our senior citizens and resolving outstanding pension issues in the state,” he added.

All public servants, including local government employees, were urged to reciprocate the Governor’s gesture by working with renewed vigour, improving revenue generation, and maintaining high levels of dedication to duty.

The Accounting Officers of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including Local Governments, were instructed to ensure the wide dissemination of the new policy across the state.