Following the approval of ₦70,000 minimum wage by President Bola Tinubu for workers in Nigeria, labour unions in Oyo state have officially begun negotiations with the state government regarding the consequential adjustment and implementation to reflect the new structure.
The Oyo state President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) disclosed this to newsmen shortly after the first sitting of both labor and the state government on Thursday, October 17.
The organized labour in attendance were the Oyo state Chairman of NLC, Comrade Kayode Martins also represented PASSAN and JUSUN, Comrades Ayobami Adeogun represented NULGE, Comrade Lawal O. Bolanle, represented the Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Comrade Raji Oladimeji Ismail represented NUT, while Comrade Segun Abatan represented NUP.
Providing more insight into what transpired at the negotiation meeting, Comrade Adeogun said: “This is to inform the generality of Oyo State workers that the committee set up by the Oyo State Government to discuss the Consequential Adjustment was held on Thursday, 17th October 2024, as scheduled.
“The meeting was held at the heels of the recent pronouncement by the Oyo State Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, D.Sc, GSSRS of the readiness of Oyo State Government to implement ₦70,000 minimum wage for workers in the state.
“The meeting was a productive one as it set the stage for immediate and speedy completion of the consequential adjustment negotiations.
“The meeting was adjourned with an agreement to present necessary tools and data required to facilitate the negotiation process within the shortest time possible for prompt implementation.
“We hereby appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to work towards ensuring fair and just outcomes for all workers and Retirees of Oyo State.
“Further updates will be provided as the negotiation progresses.”
In attendance were the Trade Union Side (TUS):
1. Comrade Kayode Martins for NLC, PASSAN & JUSUN;
2. Comrade Oluwaseun Olanipekun, Chairman, Public Joint Negotiating Council (PJNC) representing Council 2;
3. Comrade Lawal O. Bolanle, Chairperson of MHWUN (Health Workers) representing Council 3;
4. Comrade Raji Oladimeji Ismail, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) – None Council
5. Comrade Adeogun Ayobami, President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) None Council; and
6. Comrade Segun Abatan, Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) representing the Retired Workers;
Absent from the meeting: Comrade Kolawole Badmus, Chairman, Association of Senior Staff of Nigeria, representing Council 1.
Representatives of Oyo State Government present included,
1. Prof. Olanike K. Adeyemo – Secretary to the State Government (SSG)
2. Mrs. Olubunmi Oni mni- Head of Service (HoS)
3. Mr. Akinola Ojo- Hon. Commissiomer, Ministry of Finance; (represented)
4. Barr. Abiodun Aikomo- Attorney- General of Oyo State and Hon. Commissioner for Justice
5. Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola- Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Establishment and Training
6. Prof. Musibau Babatunde, Hon. Commisioner for Budget and Economic Planning,
7. Comrade Titilola-Sodo- Special Adviser, Labour
Also in attendance were Dr. G. A Oyedele, PS General Administration. (Secretary).