Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced that his administration is working towards implementing the new minimum wage, assuring that the state will not lag behind in its implementation.
“Regarding the new minimum wage, everyone is working diligently, and I am confident that, as always, we will not be second in implementing it,” Abiodun said during a meeting with the leadership of organised labour at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor also hinted that the state’s 2025 budget proposal is on track to reach one trillion Naira, with this year’s N703bn state budget achieving 80 per cent execution by September.
Abiodun attributed the current fuel scarcity to operational and financial challenges, while the increase in fuel prices was due to subsidy removal and the floating of the Naira.
However, he assured that measures have been put in place to cushion the effects on the public, including the commencement of an energy transition programme and the establishment of farmers’ markets to provide foodstuffs at affordable prices.
The governor explained that the energy transition programme involves converting mass transit buses to CNG and launching electric motorcycles and tricycles.
“We have commenced an energy transition programme by converting our mass transit buses to CNG and launching electric motorcycles and tricycles”.
“On Monday, we met with transport unions. They requested that we increase the availability of alternative fuel sources in the state and expand the programme due to the success it has already seen.”
Abiodun also announced that farmers’ markets would be established in three zones across the state, providing foodstuffs at affordable prices. A task force, comprising transport union executives and law enforcement agencies, has been set up to monitor arbitrary hikes in transport fares, with labour representation included.
In his remarks, the Ogun State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Hameed Benco, appreciated the governor for always involving organised labour in decision-making.
He emphasised the need to enforce price regulations, as market traders have been exploiting the current economic situation.
Benco also called for a special arrangement to transport workers and students to their offices and schools, saying this would help alleviate the hardship.
Additionally, the Ogun State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Akeem Lasisi, suggested that workers be allowed to work from home until the situation improves, while the Chairman of the Joint Negotiation Committee, Comrade Isa Olude, urged the government to provide relief measures for workers and pensioners.
