Benue Workers to Earn N75,000 Minimum Wage as Gov. Alia Goes Beyond FG Benchmark

By Iyojo Ameh

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has announced the approval of a N75,000 minimum wage for state workers, surpassing the federal benchmark of N70,000.

The announcement was made on Monday at the State Secretariat following discussions with organized labour representatives.

Governor Alia’s spokesperson, Sir Tersoo Kula, emphasized the administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promises to workers, including the payment of the remaining three months from a five-month backlog of arrears.

According to Kula, the arrears will be factored into the 2024 budget and disbursed starting November 2024.

Governor Alia stated, “We are implementing a new national minimum wage of seventy-five thousand naira (N75,000).

This decision reflects our consideration of labour’s concerns about wage adequacy, including allowances, tax reliefs, and work-off days.”

Despite President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a N70,000 minimum wage, Alia’s administration chose to exceed the federal benchmark to address the financial hardships of workers and demonstrate its commitment to their welfare.

The governor reassured workers of his dedication to improving their standard of living, stressing his determination to support the ordinary citizen through sustainable and legal measures.

Organized labour leaders commended the governor’s proactive approach, describing the approval as a positive step towards easing the financial burden on Benue workers.