Ododo Approves N72,500 Minimum Wage for Kogi Workers, Offers Tax Relief
In a significant move aimed at improving the welfare of workers in Kogi State, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has approved a new minimum wage of N72,500 for civil servants. This decision takes immediate effect and surpasses the federal minimum wage of N70,000 signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in July 2024. Governor Ododo’s gesture underscores his commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of workers in the state.
Commitment to Worker Welfare
The governor made the announcement while receiving the report of the Kogi State Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, headed by the state Head of Service, Elijah Avenemi. He stressed that the new wage demonstrates his administration’s dedication to improving the lives of civil servants across all cadres.
Governor Ododo, a former civil servant and labor leader himself, acknowledged the challenges workers face. “I cannot forget where I came from,” Ododo stated. “I am a man from a humble background who became who I am by the grace of God. I will not use my position to oppress anyone but rather to improve the lives of our people.”
Tax Relief and Worker Support
Beyond the wage increase, Governor Ododo announced a tax relief package for all workers in Kogi State. For the next year, civil servants will be exempt from paying Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) taxes and other deductions. This is aimed at providing further financial relief to employees, allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned income.
The governor’s experience as a labor leader has influenced his policies, and he emphasized that he would ensure that the state’s resources are allocated fairly across all sectors. He also credited previous staff audit screenings for eliminating ghost workers from the system, ensuring that only legitimate civil servants benefit from these policies.
Praise from Organized Labour
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kogi State, represented by its chairman, Comrade Gabriel Amari, praised the governor for his swift action in approving the new wage. Amari expressed his surprise and gratitude at how quickly the implementation committee, established on September 17, 2024, was able to finalize the new minimum wage structure.
“The governor’s seamless efforts have brought joy to workers in Kogi State,” Amari said, calling Ododo the most “worker-friendly governor” the state has ever had. He added that while many states have yet to set up similar committees, Kogi State’s decisive actions show strong leadership.
Amari also vowed that the workers, in return, would be more committed to their duties and continue to support Governor Ododo’s administration as it seeks to uplift the state.
A Step Beyond Federal Mandates
This development follows President Tinubu’s national minimum wage bill, signed into law on July 29, 2024, which set the federal minimum wage at N70,000. Governor Ododo’s decision to set the state minimum wage higher reflects his desire to go beyond the federal mandate and offer even more support to Kogi workers.
With the new wage structure and tax relief in place, civil servants in Kogi State can expect improved financial stability and better overall working conditions. The governor has also assured prompt payment of salaries, reinforcing his administration’s focus on worker welfare.
As the state moves forward with these changes, the workers of Kogi are optimistic about the positive impact on their lives and the local economy.
Social Media Reactions
- @KogiCitizen: “N72,500 minimum wage in Kogi? Wow, Governor Ododo really cares about his people!”
- @WorkForBetterLife: “Tax relief and a new minimum wage? Kogi is setting the bar high for other states. Proud of this administration!”
- @LabourForChange: “Governor Ododo is showing true leadership by supporting workers. Every state should follow suit.”
- @CivilServantLife: “Finally, some good news for Kogi workers! We deserve this, and I’m glad it’s happening now.”
- @EconomyWatchNG: “Ododo’s N72,500 minimum wage is a bold step. Other governors should take notes!”
- @OgunWorkersFirst: “If Kogi can get N72,500 minimum wage, what’s stopping other states from doing the same? Kudos to Governor Ododo.”
- @HappyWorker: “Tax relief for the next year?! I can’t believe it. Ododo really is the workers’ governor!”
- @ProgressNG: “Ododo’s leadership is what Kogi needed. Minimum wage increase and tax relief will surely make a difference.”
- @GovOdodoFan: “This is why I voted for Ododo—he understands the struggles of workers. N72,500 is a step in the right direction!”
- @NLCVictory: “Kogi workers are winning with this new minimum wage. Kudos to Governor Ododo and the NLC for making it happen!”
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