Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has approved a new minimum wage of ₦75,000 for workers in the state.
According to a statement issued recently by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, the governor made the announcement at the State Secretariat following a meeting with representatives of organised labour.
The statement revealed that the new minimum wage will take effect in November 2024. Additionally, the state government will clear three months of salary arrears alongside implementing the updated wage.
Governor Alia said, “We are implementing a new national minimum wage of seventy-five thousand naira (₦75,000).
“We decided to set the wage at ₦75,000, fully aware of the other concerns raised by organised labour during the negotiations. These concerns included a wage award of ₦35,000, transportation allowances, tax relief, and work-off days, among others.”
The governor noted that the state’s decision to exceed the federal minimum of ₦70,000 was a response to workers’ concerns and a reflection of his administration’s commitment to improving their welfare.
He stressed that the payment of arrears and the higher minimum wage were measures aimed at alleviating the economic hardships faced by employees.
