Workers in Ondo State have demanded that the N73,000 minimum wage in the state be immediately reviewed upwards to N256,950.

The workers, in a letter addressed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa through the state council of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and its affiliate unions, said the demand became imperative going by the economic situation of the country.

While stressing that the current wage is no longer realistic, the workers maintained that with the removal of fuel subsidy, inflation and skyrocketing costs of food, transportation, housing and healthcare, there is urgent need for the review.

In the letter signed by the NLC chairman in the state, Comrade Ademola Olapade, and the state secretary, Comrade Akin Sunday, the workers urged the governor to urgently constitute a negotiation committee.

Emphasising that the state has the capacity to meet the demand, the workers noted that despite Imo State not being an oil-producing state, it has commenced payment of a N104,000 minimum wage for its workers and pensioners.

The letter, which also demanded upwards review of pension for retirees in the state, said “It is only just and reasonable that Ondo State, which is blessed with oil wealth and resource potential, does not lack behind but instead leads in setting progressive standards for others to emulate.

“Your Excellency, Ondo State is not just any state, it is a critical contributor to Nigeria’s oil revenue. As such, it is unacceptable that its workers and pensioners continue to live under wages that do not reflect the state’s strategic and financial status.

“Workers are the engine of governance and economic productivity and pensioners are citizens who had served with loyalty during their better years and deserve to live the remainder of their lives with dignity.

“In light of the above, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Ondo State Council and its affiliate Unions are formally demanding the immediate upward review of the minimum wage for Ondo State workers to the sum of #256,950. This figure will form a realistic reflection of the current economic indices and the prevailing cost of survival for an average.

“Governance must not only be about policies and projects but also about people’s welfare and ability to live dignified lives. A government that pays its workers and pensioners a just wage is a government that honours the social contract it holds with its people.”