Miracle Akubuo
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has approved a N30,000 minimum wage for local government workers in the state.
This decision was made public on Monday during a meeting at Government House, Port Harcourt, where Fubara met with Pastor GoodLife Ben, the acting chairman of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission (RSLGSC), and the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).
Additionally, Fubara has ordered the immediate payment of all withheld allowances, gratuities, promotions, and accrued benefits.
However, this approval has generated reaction among Nigerians who perceive the minimum amount as inadequate despite the current economic situation of the country.
A Twitter user, Adewale Damilare, remarked, “Approved 30k salary in 2024 with this turbulent economic situation. This is MEAN.”
Another user, Dammy, questioned the genuineness of Wike’s administration. “Why curse and blame this governor, why not blame Wike who was governor when N30k was said to be paying to workers since? We should always see why we are crying now.”
Similarly, Okezue Obiwanne commented, “So, all the noise Wike was making as a governor, he wasn’t even paying his people up to N30,000 minimum wage? People can be wicked Ooo.”
In his reaction, StayONIT brings to notice that some states are yet to implement it. “Most of the people complaining about Siminalayi Fubara increased the minimum wages to 30k forget most of the states in Nigeria are yet to implement it.”
Ammer’s Asylum humorously questioned, “Have you ever wondered what you can buy with 30,000 naira in today’s economy?”
In a similar vein, a user Money Emeka questioned the value of the newly improved minimum wage to Nigerians. “30000 to do exactly with it, is it recharge card allowance or punishment allowance, we need to understand.”
Antony Martin Okoro raised doubts about Citizen’s survival with such a significant amount. “You are not doing fine, even your maid or gate man won’t survive on 30.000 naira minimum wage for 30 days. Can 1000 naira a day sustain one person, not to mention families of two or three or more?”
While reacting to this development, Atoni Atoni lauded the effort of the governor. “So what was Rivers state local government workers earning all these years as salaries. I must commend the governor for his kind-heartedness and people-oriented policies.”
John Eneji commented, “Meaning Wike did not pay minimum wage to Rivers State workers before he left office…? This is sad.”
Meanwhile, Muhammed Bunu opined, “Minimum cost of living in Rivers is N30k? It should be N300k.”
In his contribution, Ken Anichebe suggested raising the minimum wage to better align with the high inflation experienced in the country. “You supposed approved 400k for them so that they can meet up in the high cost of food and other items in the country now Cooking gas is 1,200k fuel is 700 electricity is high so what will 30,000 Naira do for them course to cook your food and you buy gas 12,5KG is 15k.”
However, Prime Allen, commending the governor, suggested a review on the pensioners’ salaries. “That’s a good development and I am sure those affected will be grateful. Sir, please remember the pensioners whose salaries are still below #10,000. Leaving them where they are is tantamount to forcing them to an early grave. Thanks for your understanding.”
