Akinlayo Kolawole, a member of the House of Representatives, has urged state governors yet to implement the new minimum wage to do so promptly to alleviate the hardships faced by workers.
Kolawole commended Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for approving the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, describing it as a “commendable demonstration of commitment to workers’ welfare.”
In a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Friday, the lawmaker representing Ekiti North Federal Constituency II emphasized the necessity of adopting the new minimum wage across all states. He highlighted the harsh economic realities, including skyrocketing prices of food and essential commodities, which make the wage adjustment imperative.
“The implementation of the new minimum wage is not just a legal obligation but a necessity in light of the current economic climate,” Kolawole stated. “Reasonable salaries and allowances will encourage Nigerian workers, boost service delivery, and support civil service, a critical and permanent part of governance.”
He argued that raising workers’ wages would help ensure equitable resource distribution and combat corruption. Kolawole criticized the outdated N30,000 minimum wage, noting it no longer meets the cost of living amid the rising cost of goods, transportation, and services.
Kolawole also praised the workers in Ekiti State for their support and cooperation with Governor Oyebanji, urging them to “rededicate themselves to implementing the administration’s people-focused policies and programs.” He lauded Oyebanji for prioritizing workers’ welfare and delivering on campaign promises, particularly in infrastructure development.
Calling for broader collaboration, Kolawole appealed to governors nationwide, regardless of political affiliation, to align with President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to improve living conditions through impactful policies. “The President cannot achieve this alone. It requires collective effort to create a better society for all,” he said.
