By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
Uncertainty surrounds civil servants in Osun State over the implementation of the newly announced N75,000 minimum wage.
Questions about the commencement date, payment of arrears, and policy specifics remain unanswered, fuelling growing apprehension.
It will be recalled that the Osun State Government recently approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 for its workers. However, details regarding the timeline for implementation and arrears payment remain unclear.
The Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, announced that Governor Ademola Adeleke approved the wage increment following recommendations from a committee led by the Chief of Staff, Kazeem Akinleye, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Chris Arapasopo.
Our correspondent learned that, since the announcement, the state government has not provided details on the payment structure. This lack of clarity has sparked concerns among civil servants, with many questioning whether the announcement is merely a political statement.
During a visit to the Local Government Commission Secretariat in Abere, Osogbo, some civil servants were seen discussing the likelihood of the government fulfilling its promise to pay the N75,000 minimum wage.
Speaking anonymously, one worker expressed frustration, saying:
“The government just announced the new minimum wage, but the details about when or how the payment will be made remain unclear.
“Is this just a political statement? As the government marks its two-year anniversary, we expected the arrears to be paid, especially with Christmas approaching. This would help us celebrate with our families.”
Another civil servant added:
“The cost of food keeps skyrocketing, and as Christmas nears, things will only become more expensive. We appeal to the Governor to implement the new minimum wage promptly to alleviate our suffering.”
A senior civil servant, who also requested anonymity, highlighted the need for consequential adjustments across all grade levels.
“Announcing a new minimum wage figure is not the issue; the challenge lies in implementing it equitably across all levels of the civil service. Senior civil servants whose salaries are already above the minimum wage must also see proportional adjustments. It must not be selective,” she stated.
Osun State is among several states that have announced minimum wage figures higher than the N70,000 approved by the Federal Government in July 2024.
A release from the Osun NLC, TUC, and JNC Information Bureau confirmed the agreement: “After exhaustive deliberations, the Organised Labour in Osun State and the Government have decided on N75,000 as the new minimum wage.”
This step follows months of negotiations between the Osun State Government and organised labour, reflecting the state’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare.
However, the delay in implementation has left many civil servants anxious, awaiting clarity and action from the government.