Ogun State workers are set to benefit from the upcoming implementation of the new minimum wage as Governor Dapo Abiodun affirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the state remains a leader in this regard.
Governor Abiodun made the announcement during a meeting with organized labor leaders at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. He acknowledged the critical role workers have played in Ogun State’s rapid economic growth and reassured them that his administration would prioritize their welfare by ensuring the timely implementation of the minimum wage.
“We are working assiduously on the new minimum wage, and I assure you that Ogun State will not take second place in its implementation,” the governor said. “We are focused on being creative, efficient, and ensuring we block loopholes while increasing our revenue, so we can afford to pay the new minimum wage without putting undue pressure on the people.”
Governor Abiodun also called for continued partnership with the labor unions, pointing out that their cooperation had been instrumental in the state’s budget growth from less than N400 billion at the beginning of his administration to the current N703 billion, with an 80% performance rate. He hinted that the state is aiming for a trillion Naira budget in the next fiscal year.
During the meeting, the governor discussed the effects of the federal government’s fuel subsidy removal, explaining that it was necessary to reposition the economy for sustainability. He detailed various initiatives the state has introduced to cushion the impact on residents, including an energy transition program aimed at converting mass transit buses to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and launching electric motorcycles and tricycles.
“We are taking significant steps to provide alternative energy sources. We’ve begun converting our buses to CNG and introduced electric motorcycles and tricycles. We are also working with the federal government to provide rice at subsidized prices and distribute 500 CNG conversion kits to lower transportation costs,” Abiodun explained.
He further announced that the federal government would send 20 CNG buses to Ogun, while the state government would add 100 CNG buses for public transport. According to him, this effort, alongside the promotion of electric vehicles, is expected to reduce transportation costs by 50–80%.
Governor Abiodun attributed the current fuel scarcity and price hikes to operational and financial challenges stemming from the subsidy removal and the floating of the Naira. However, he expressed optimism about the future, stating that the state’s commitment to energy transition would ultimately lead to a significant reduction in transportation costs.
“We are committed to transitioning from petrol to CNG and electric vehicles, which will bring down transportation costs. This is the only path to sustainability, and it has been successful in other countries,” he added.
As part of the state’s broader relief measures, Governor Abiodun revealed plans to set up farmers’ markets across the state to offer foodstuffs at affordable prices. A task force, including transport union executives and law enforcement agencies, has also been created to monitor transport fare increases. The governor emphasized that labor representatives would be part of this task force.
In response, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ogun State, Comrade Hameed Benco, commended the governor for involving labor unions in decision-making processes. He stressed the importance of regulating market prices, as many traders have taken advantage of the economic situation to exploit consumers.
Benco also called for a special transportation arrangement to ease the burden on workers and schoolchildren. His counterpart from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Akeem Lasisi, proposed that workers be allowed to work from home until the situation improves. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Joint Negotiation Committee, Comrade Isa Olude, advocated for more measures to support workers and pensioners during these challenging times.
Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, praised Governor Abiodun for his leadership and efforts to address workers’ concerns, noting that the governor had consistently demonstrated his commitment to workers’ welfare.
