From Ekundayo Idowu, Abeokuta

Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said workers in the state will soon smile as his administration is working towards implementing the new minimum wage.The governor, who made this statement at a meeting with the leadership of organized labor held at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta, noted that workers have been instrumental in the rapid economic growth the state is witnessing.

He promised the union leaders that Ogun State would not take second place in the implementation of the new minimum wage. He pleaded for continued partnership from organized labor, emphasizing that their cooperation has led to economic prosperity, as the state budget has increased from less than N400 billion at the inception of the administration to the current N703 billion, with performance at 80 percent. He added that the state is looking at a trillion Naira budget for next year’s appropriation.Abiodun said he initiated the meeting as part of efforts to engage stakeholders involved in the movement of people to find solutions to the current situation caused by the fuel subsidy removal.Abiodun, who took time to explain the intricacies of the oil sector, acknowledged that the current realities are the fallout of the federal government’s decision, led by President Bola Tinubu, to reposition the nation’s economy for sustainability, adding that as a responsible government, his administration has put several measures in place to cushion the effects on the people.The federal government, the governor continued, would send 20 CNG buses in the first instance to the state, while the state government would provide 100 CNG buses to transport unions in the state, saying that transportation costs are expected to be reduced by 50-80 percent as more people embrace electric motorcycles and CNG vehicles.Abiodun attributed the current fuel scarcity to operational and financial issues, while the hike in prices is due to subsidy removal and the floating of the Naira.He disclosed that a Presidential CNG Initiative comprising people from different sectors has been established, while the state has been made the hub for the transition of vehicles in the southwest due to its experience in the project.Abiodun revealed that farmers’ markets would be set up in the three zones across the state to enable people to buy foodstuffs at affordable prices, while a task force comprising transport union executives and law enforcement agencies has also been established to monitor arbitrary hikes in transport fares, adding that labor would be involved in it.The State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Hameed Benco, while appreciating the governor for always making organized labor part of his decision-making process, stressed the need to enforce price regulation as market men and women have taken advantage of the current economic situation to exploit the people.He also called for a special arrangement to convey workers and students in primary and secondary schools to their offices and schools, respectively, saying it would help mitigate the hardship.State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Akeem Lasisi, advocated for workers to work from their homes until the situation improves, while the Joint Negotiation Committee Chairman, Comrade Isa Olude, called for measures that would provide relief to workers and pensioners.The Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, appreciated the governor for allaying workers’ fears, noting that he has demonstrated capacity and strong will in dealing with issues concerning workers’ welfare and well-being.