From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has said his government will not hesitate to pay the new approved National Minimum Wage.
Recall that on Thursday night, the Federal government and Labor reached an agreement to pay 70,000 as the new National Minimum with a clause for a review after three (3) years.
Speaking with newsmen on Friday in Government House, Governor Alia said he empathised with workers particularly at difficult times like this when the economy is stagnated.
He intimated that already plans and makeshifts arrangements have been put in place to ensure payment of the new wage
He said: “I understand that things are difficult and the economy is stagnated. With all the plans and makeshift arrangements that are in place, things are moving and even our IGR has increased.
“It is now left to us to block all the loopholes and see how we can cash in to do other things including the payment of salaries. We can pay, am focused with all my purposes and intents.
“So, what has been agreed by the national is what we the sub nationals should queue in and do.
“ Without the workforce, we will not have a semblance of government, so we need to push in our civil servants in the way approved by the FG, the labor organizations simultaneously so that the system works.”
