Kehinde Fajobi
Civil servants in Osun State have expressed frustration over the delay in implementing the new minimum wage by the state government, calling the wait long overdue.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Osogbo on Monday, several workers criticised the government’s inaction, with one employee, Opemipo, suggesting it was a “delay tactic.”
She said, “I wonder what is causing the delay. Other neighbouring states have implemented theirs and I wonder what is delaying our own. This economic hardship is becoming unbearable and I appeal to Gov. Adeleke to act fast.”
Another civil servant, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that many workers had expected Osun to be one of the first states to implement the wage increase.
“We are worried over the delay. No matter how little the minimum wage might be, at least it will assist in fixing one or two things. But now that the government is not coming forth with what it is willing to pay, it is a serious source of concern for us,” he said.
He also pointed to other states, including Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, and Ogun, that have already implemented the new wage.
“This shows a lack of commitment to the welfare of workers in the state,” he added.
Another senior officer expressed similar concerns, saying the state’s failure to release a template for the wage implementation showed insensitivity to workers’ struggles.
“I wonder if the state government knows what we the civil servants are going through in this hard time. I hope the delay is not a plot to pay an unreasonable minimum wage to workers.”
Meanwhile, Osun’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, has reassured workers, stating that the committee assigned to review the wage implementation is nearing completion of its work.
“The committee will soon complete its assignment for necessary approval,” Alimi said.