Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has inaugurated a 24-man committed to workout the modalities for the implementation of the new minimum wage in the state.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee has Emmanuel Akabe, Deputy Governor of the state as its Chairman, and 11 representatives from the government site and 13 members from the organised labour.
Speaking at the inauguration on Tuesday in Lafia, the governor said that the committee was set up in fulfilment to the promised he had made to improve living conditions of workers through better welfare package.
“This is in line with our determination to improve the welfare of public servants as they are the cornerstone for the implementation of Government policies and programmes.
“We are always in the front burner on the issue of the implementation of the National minimum wage in the country and since the signing into law of the new law, we have continue to make consultation on how to implement it in the state,” he said.
He explained that It is in this connection that the was inaugurated to study the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, make necessary consultations and recommend to Government a workable template for implementation.
The governor charged the committee to be guided by the revenue accruals to the State vis-à-vis its ability to pay the Minimum Wage
He listed the terms of reference of the committee to includes; to obtain and study the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, 2009 and the Consequential Adjustments at the federal level.
Others are; to obtain and study copies of agreements reached between the Federal Government and the Organized Labour in line with the consequential adjustment/increase in all the salary structures.
To liaise with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (if necessary) for technical assistance on the implementation of the new minimum wage for the State.
Governor Sule therefore said that the committee has three (3) weeks to complete its assignment and submit Report to Government for prompt action.
The governor also assured workers the committee to consider the implementation of outstanding promotions, arrears and proper placements of the civil servants would be inaugurated on Monday January 13.
Meanwhile in an interview with newsmen after the inauguration, Com. Yusuf Iya, State’s Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), commended the governor for the steps so far.
He however expressed hope that the committee who he is a member would adopt the template used at the federal level in order ensure improved welfare package for workers in the state. (NAN).
