KOGI State workers, including their counterparts in the state’s local governments, are to enjoy a tax-free minimum wage of N72,500 following the approval of the new national minimum wage by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The governor, who announced the figure at the signing ceremony on Monday after receiving the report from the state’s Minimum Wage Implementation Committee led by Head of Service, Elijah Avenemi, also announced a one-year tax relief by declaring that there would be no Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) taxes or any other deductions for one year.
Ododo reaffirmed his dedication to the welfare of all workers in the state and introduced a one-year tax relief.
“The new minimum wage of seventy-two thousand five hundred naira should take immediate effect to enable it to cope with the current situation in the country,” Ododo said, noting that the essence of prompt implementation of the new wage and tax relief is to help civil servants cope with the current economic hardship in the country, adding that government will not only implement the new wage in the short-term but will also sustained in the long term.
He highlighted the need for continuous dialogue and collaboration between the government and organised labour in the state to address any issues that might arise.
Ododo also reassured the public that the state government was dedicated to improving the welfare of its employees and creating a conducive working environment for all.
The Head of Service, Mr. Evenemi, said that the agreement on the minimum wage was a victory for the people, rather than any political party.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor Ododo for allowing the committee the autonomy to work towards achieving a common goal.
