By: Jabiru Hassan.
The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has commended the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for approving an upward review of the minimum wage to One Hundred and Four Thousand (#104,000) Naira for workers in the state.
In a release issued and signed by Tola Oresanwo the organization’s Director of Administration and Programmes on behalf of the Chairman of the organization, Mr. Debo Adeniran, he described the gesture as a welcome development that demonstrates the governor’s responsiveness to the plight of workers in the face of current economic realities.
“By increasing the minimum wage, the Imo State Government has shown sensitivity to the challenges faced by civil servants who continue to grapple with inflation and rising costs of living.
This action will no doubt bring relief to hardworking men and women who form the backbone of governance and service delivery in the state,” Adeniran stated.
“While we are aware that a minimum wage earner doesn’t have to buy a bag of rice but he would have to live within his means and that means is not covered by #70,000, which is the present minimum wage in the country.
What Imo state Governor have done is like half loaf that is better than none because neither #70,000 nor #104,000 is enough for a full grown adult that is employed by a state government or any government at all to live a comfortable life.
We had earlier recommended that the minimum wage in the country should not be less than #200,000 going by the current economic realities in the country in terms of cost of accommodation, transportation, medicals, food and other basic needs.”
CACOL further urged other state governments across the federation to emulate this laudable initiative, stressing that prioritizing workers’ welfare remains a critical step towards ensuring accountability, productivity, and good governance.
The Centre also called on the Imo State Government to ensure prompt and full implementation of the new wage structure, while also maintaining transparency in its financial management to guarantee sustainability.
“Workers deserve to live decently from their sweat, and governments at all levels must recognize that fair remuneration is not a privilege but a right,” Adeniran added.
CACOL reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability, good governance, and policies that enhance the welfare of Nigerians.
