Clement Nnachi, Abakaliki
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has assured the Organized Labour in the state comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) that the state government will definitely pay the N30,000 Minimum Wage recently assented to by the Federal Government.
Umahi made the declaration at the Pa Oruta Ngele Township Stadium Abakaliki the State capital on Wednesday while addressing workers on the occasion of the 2019 May Day celebration.
He said that the State Execution Council would set up a Joint Negotiation Committee comprising members of the NLC and TUC to work out the modalities for its implementation.
“To pay the Minimum Wage we will definitely pay, we are committed to the Minimum Wage, I will neither be the first to pay Minimum Wage nor be the last to pay.
“The difference between Minimum wage and Wage Review is that any worker goes home with N30,000 wage.
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The Governor insisted that the Government would send a bill to the State House of Assembly for appropriation before final approval of the Minimum Wage.
“A Stakeholders meeting would be convened whereby we will agree on how to move the State forward, the proposal sent to the House of Assembly for approval,”
Governor Umahi announced that Government would review the tuition fees paid at the state University Abakaliki and the State College of Education Ikwo in addition to the review of taxes in the State.
“Our people must be prepared and ready to pay tax, it is irrevocable, that is the way to boost the Internally Generation Revenue (IGR) of the state.
Earlier in his speech, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC) Comrade Leonard Nkah, calls for the implementation of the New Minimum Wage ACT 2019.
Speaking against the backdrop of promotion in the Civil /Public Service, the NLC Chairman urged the State Government to consider the recommendations in on the issue in accordance with the provisions of the guidelines for appointments, promotions and discipline in the Service.
“In order to avoid arrears of Promotions, the Commissions/Boards should conduct Promotion interviews and release the results as at when due.”
Comrade Nkah enjoined the Government to commence the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme in the state and pay one year contribution.