The Kogi State government has approved a new minimum wage of N72,500 for civil servants and local government workers, following the submission of the State Minimum Wage Committee’s report. Governor Usman Ododo made the announcement on Monday while receiving the committee’s report at a ceremony held in the banquet hall of the Government House in Lokoja.

Governor Ododo highlighted that the increase in the minimum wage aligns with his administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promises to serve the people. He also announced that consequential adjustments would be made to ensure fair wage increments across all categories of workers in the state.

“In consultation with all relevant stakeholders and after carefully reviewing the data, we have graciously approved the sum of N72,500 as the minimum wage for all categories of workers,” the governor stated, urging civil servants to recommit to the government’s agenda for transforming the state.

Additionally, Governor Ododo granted a tax relief order for all civil servants in Kogi State, which will be effective for one year. This announcement was met with enthusiastic applause from the attendees.

The approval of N72,500 as the new minimum wage follows the federal government’s recent endorsement of N70,000 for workers across the country. Kogi now joins other states in implementing the new wage structure.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Kogi State Minimum Wage Committee and Head of Service, Mr. Elijah Abenemi, provided insights into the committee’s work. He explained that the committee was set up on September 17, 2024, to explore ways to implement the new wage structure. After reviewing several options, Governor Ododo approved the first and most favorable one.

Abenemi commended the governor for his generosity and praised the committee’s efforts in advocating for Kogi State’s civil servants.

Also present at the event was the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Gabriel Amari, who expressed gratitude to the governor for the approval. Amari, however, noted that labor unions would continue to advocate for better conditions for workers, appealing to the government to address outstanding issues such as promotion arrears and leave bonuses.