- State Assembly Approves Supplementary Budget To Accommodate Wage Review
By Amos Aar
GOVERNOR Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has approved a new minimum wage of ₦75,000 for workers across the state, Mr Tersoo Kula, the governor’s spokesperson, made the announcement on Monday at the end of a meeting with representatives of organised labour at the State Secretariat.
According to the announcement, the new wage will be implemented effective November 2024.
“We are implementing a new national minimum wage of seventy-five thousand naira (₦75,000),” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
The statement further added: “We arrived at this figure after careful consideration of the issues raised by organized labor during negotiations, including the prior minimum wage of thirty thousand naira, wage awards, transportation allowances, tax relief, and work-off days, among other concerns.”
Governor Alia emphasised that the state’s minimum wage surpasses the ₦70,000 recently approved by the President, which he said reflects a response to labour’s concerns regarding the state’s ability to support its workers.
“My administration is committed to the welfare of the people,” the governor reportedly stressed, adding; “We will do everything legitimately possible to ensure that Benue State workers are adequately supported.”
The governor also expressed a commitment to clear the outstanding arrears to alleviate the financial hardships faced by workers in the state.
Meanwhile, the state House of Assembly had earlier given the green light to revise the 2024 supplementary budget by approximately 23.6 billion naira to accommodate the new wage review. This approval was made at Monday’s plenary session, presided over by Mr Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, the speaker.
The governor had requested the review through a correspondence read at the plenary, emphasising that the adjustment will enable the government to balance fiscal responsibility with social equity. According to the correspondence, the government aims to address the rising cost of living and implement the new minimum wage structure.
The House also summoned the chairmen of the 23 LGAs, DGSAs, and heads of Revenue Department to appear before it this Friday at 10am. This decision was made after Mr. Moses Egbodo, chairman of the House standing committee on industry, trade, and investment, brought a motion of urgent public importance to the House’s attention.
Mr. Egbodo expressed concerns about the exploitation of Benue farmers regarding the use of Benue sacks. Member representing Apa constituency, Mr. Abu Umoru, advocated for the free distribution of Benue sacks to farmers, citing their struggles with insecurity.
During the plenary session, four bills had their first reading: a bill to rename Benue State University after Reverend Moses Orshio Adasu, a bill for the establishment of Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh Vandiekya LGA, a bill for a law to amend free and compulsory basic education, and a bill for a law to establish a task force on quality healthcare and prevention of quackery in Benue State
Two bills were presented by Majority Leader, Mr. Saater Tiseer, while Hon. Mrs. Becky Orpin and Hon. Thomas Dugeri presented the others. The acting clerk, Mr. John Hwande, read the bills for the first time, and the speaker referred them to the House standing committee on Rules and Business for second reading at a later date.
