Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister in Nigeria, Nyesom Wike, have approved a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 for workers in their respective jurisdictions.
The announcement by Governor Oyebanji, effective December 1, 2024, followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and organized labor leaders in Ekiti. The agreement, which also includes pensioners, was finalized by the Ekiti Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, and labor union leaders.
Dr. Olomojobi expressed gratitude to Ekiti workers for their patience during the negotiation process and highlighted the governor’s commitment to workers’ welfare. “Governor Oyebanji bent forward and backward to accommodate our yearnings,” she remarked. She urged workers to reciprocate this gesture by enhancing their service delivery.
Labor leaders, including NLC Chairperson Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, commended the governor for his efforts in securing the best possible deal for Ekiti workers.
In a similar move, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike approved the payment of the new minimum wage for FCT workers effective immediately. The minister also directed the payment of three months’ arrears starting from November 2024.
Acting FCT Head of Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, confirmed the approval in a statement, noting that the gesture reflects the minister’s dedication to staff welfare. She encouraged FCT workers to rally behind the minister in advancing the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu.
