24th January, 2022
The Head of Service of Kogi, Mrs Hannah Odiyo has called on labour unions in the State not to jeopardize ongoing efforts to implement new minimum wage for workers with unfounded allegations and insinuations that are far from the truth.
Odiyo said this in a rejoinder to the press statement earlier credited to the Kogi state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Onu Erika where on the implementation of the new minimum wage.
She said the report of the committee which is known to the Organised Labour was submitted to the Governor late 2021 and is currently receiving the Governor’s attention.
She said it is however surprising to that the labour movement was issuing ultimatum to government on the same matter they are totally aware of.
The Hos therefore said it is false for NLC to say the committee have become stale or inactive as was insinuated in its press statement.
“I wish to make it categorically clear that the Minimum Wage Committee set up by the State Government on this issue is not stalled as alleged.
“Rather, the Committee had concluded her assignment before the end of year 2021 and report was submitted to His Excellecy, Alhaji Yahaya Bello this year.
“The report is presently receiving Government attention and the Leadership of the Organized Labour in the State is aware of this development. As such, a warning letter for an impending strike is uncalled for at this point.
“I hereby reiterate that the welfare of workers remains a priority to the Government. I plead that the truth should be told at all times so as to maintain the harmonious relationship between the Organised Labour and the State Government.
“A little more patience is what is needed so that the efforts that had been put into the negotiation process by both parties so far will not be jeopardised.