Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has affirmed that state governors, under the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), are in favor of approving a living wage for Nigerian workers.
Speaking at the 7th Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, Governor Oyebanji clarified that the NGF is advocating for fiscal federalism to ensure states have the capacity to pay a living wage.
He emphasized that no state wants to resort to retrenching their workforce and that it is crucial for each state to determine what they can afford without downsizing.
“The NGF is not against a living wage or the minimum wage. What we are saying is it must reflect fiscal federalism, the ability, and capacity to pay. No Governor wants to retrench workers. If there is a minimum wage today without a corresponding increase in revenue, no state can pay. We want to give you a living wage, but it must align with what the states can sustain,” Oyebanji stated.
The Governor also urged workers in Ekiti State to embrace agriculture, highlighting that his administration has cleared over 2,000 hectares of land to be allocated free of charge to interested residents.
“My appeal to civil servants is to form cooperative societies and approach the Ministry of Agriculture for support. We are clearing land free of charge, providing inputs, and will buy produce from you. Over 2,000 hectares have already been cleared across Ekiti State,” he said.
Governor Oyebanji praised civil servants as critical stakeholders in the administration, acknowledging their role in the state’s growth and the realization of his administration’s Six Pillars.
He recognized the contributions of civil servants to the administration’s achievements and expressed his intent to learn from their experiences.
“I am here today to associate and rejoice with you as major stakeholders. The civil service is a reservoir of talents and a source of professionals from various fields. This conference is an opportunity for learning, exchanging ideas, and sharing experiences. I am here not just as a Special Guest of Honour but as a student of Public Administration,” the Governor concluded.
