By Our correspondent
Anambra State, led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, is yet to take concrete steps towards implementing the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage, despite President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the bill into law on July 29, 2024.
This delay has left workers in the state anxious about their fate, with many expressing frustration at the lack of communication from the government.
In contrast, Abia State Governor Alex Otti has taken the lead, setting up a committee to oversee the implementation of the new minimum wage.
This move has earned him praise from labour leaders and workers in the state.
According to sources, the Abia State committee, established before the federal government’s official announcement, is already working on modalities for the smooth implementation of the new wage.
“We’re disappointed that Governor Soludo has not made any public statement or taken any concrete step towards implementing the new minimum wage.
“Workers in Anambra are struggling to make ends meet, and this delay is only adding to their hardship. We hope Governor Soludo will follow Governor Otti’s lead and do the right thing for Anambra workers.
“The delay in implementing the minimum wage has significant implications for workers and the economy.
“With inflation on the rise, workers are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. The minimum wage increase is a crucial step towards addressing this issue, and further delays will only exacerbate the problem”,said a labour leader in Anambra, who preferred to remain anonymous.
According to Punch Newspaper, 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory are yet to set up committees to implement the new minimum wage. However, seven states – Kano, Kwara, Ogun, Borno, Jigawa, Ondo, and Abia – have taken the lead, setting up implementation committees.
Only Lagos and Edo have claimed to have started paying the minimum wage.
