Great Expectations As Mba Promises New Minimum Wage For Enugu Workers

Civil servants in the employ of the Enugu State government, Tuesday, expressed hope of better days ahead following the pledge of the implementation of the new minimum wage for state workers.

Gov Peter Mba had Monday said his administration would implement the new minimum wage for the state workers ‘as soon as the federal government approves it’.

Mba, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, said the payment became necessary to improve the workers’ standard of living and productivity.

He spoke during a prayer programme organised by labour unions in the state held at the New State Secretariat, Enugu.

It attracted members of the clergy, labour union leaders, commissioners, permanent secretaries, directors and heads of departments from various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

Mba said the minimum wage would take effect as soon as “the Federal Government gives approval”, and stressed the need “to stick to the 2024 budget to achieve the government economic growth target of N252bn.”

According to him, the implementation of the minimum wage would enable the workers to brace for the challenges of high cost of living and inflation in the country, pointing out that through productivity, he would make Enugu State the best paying salary state in Nigeria.

The chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Enugu State Chapter, Mr Ben Asogwa, told our reporter that the governor’s proposal to pay the minimum wage was a welcome development, urging him to commence the payment before April this year.

He also thanked him for the payment of salary awards to civil servants, and appealed for the inclusion of retirees and increment of that of LGA staff from N10,000. to N25,000.

The chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Enugu State Chapter, Mr Fabian Nwaigbo, described Peter Mba as “the most labour friendly governor,” and lauded him for taking a bold step to improve the workers’ welfare.

Fabian Eze, attached to the state Ministry of Works, told THE WHISTLER on Tuesday, that, “It may surprise you that Enugu State never implemented the national minimum wage. If Gov Mba does it, he would have broken a jinx. But we are still watching.”

Cajethan Mbamalu, of the state Ministry of Justice, said, “I can’t wait for the new minimum wage. It is long overdue considering the high cost of living in the country. You will not believe it if you are told the salary of directors in the state. But a new era is coming if this is fulfilled.”