Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has approved a new minimum wage of N72,500 for civil servants, effective immediately.
The announcement, reported by The PUNCH, follows the Governor’s signing of the wage agreement on Monday. The new wage comes with a one-year suspension of taxes on the increased salary.
Governor Ododo explained that the decision was driven by the need to support workers amidst the country’s rising cost of living. “This new minimum wage of N72,500 will take effect immediately to help our workers better manage the current economic challenges,” he said.
Elijah Evenemi, Chairman of the Minimum Wage Committee, commended the Governor for granting the committee the freedom to operate without political interference. He emphasized that the wage increase is a victory for the people of Kogi State, not a political triumph.
This development follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of a national minimum wage of N70,000, announced on July 18, 2024, with plans for a three-year wage review cycle.