The Delta State government’s recent announcement to begin payment of a new minimum wage in October has been met with skepticism by civil servants, who question whether the administration will follow through.
While some workers are uncertain about the government’s ability to fulfill its promise, others are more concerned about the actual amount they will receive, especially in light of the state’s frequent mention of “Consequential Adjustments” in discussions about the wage.
On October 16, 2024, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori approved the payment of a new minimum wage, effective from October. The announcement came after a meeting between the state’s Committee on the new minimum wage and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) to discuss its implementation.
Unlike states such as Lagos and Ondo, which have openly declared their new minimum wage figures, Delta State has refrained from specifying the amount workers should expect. The government has only insisted that the new wage law is now in effect and cannot be breached.
Speaking on behalf of the government, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr. Kingsley Emu said the meeting was convened at the directive of Governor Oborevwori, who instructed that payments be made despite ongoing concerns about the financial impact on the state.
“Even though we have not been able to determine all the ramifications of the consequential adjustments on the future cash flow requirements of the State, the Governor directed us to go ahead to pay because he feels the pains of the people as a labour friendly Governor,” Emu explained.
The approval was applauded by NLC Chairman Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, who praised the governor’s commitment to worker welfare.
However, among the civil servants themselves, the mood remains uncertain, with many voicing doubts about the government’s sincerity and ability to deliver.
One civil servant, who spoke anonymously, expressed a deep sense of frustration with the state government’s track record. “If you’re putting your hope in what this government is saying, you’ll just have BP. Personally, I’m not moved by the report. This is the same government that promised to pay promotion arrears to civil servants two years ago, and some workers are still waiting. Some are even due for their next promotion but haven’t received salaries for their current grade.”
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Another civil servant echoed this sentiment, expressing concern over the government’s vague language. “This government has never been straightforward, so I don’t expect much from them. With this language of ‘consequential adjustment’ that they keep repeating, I won’t be surprised if I only see a three-thousand-naira increase as my new minimum wage,” they said.
Further criticism was directed at the government’s perceived dishonesty in other areas. A civil servant pointed to the state’s handling of the D-CARE program, a World Bank initiative, accusing the government of politicizing it. “Is it not this same government that took the World Bank’s D-CARE program and claimed it as their own? And then, they made it a party thing, if you’re not PDP, you don’t benefit. This is supposed to be an open program for everyone.”
Concerns about the politicization of welfare initiatives have only fueled the doubts surrounding the new minimum wage. “This is one of the most dishonest governments I have ever seen, and I’m not optimistic about their minimum wage promise,” another civil servant remarked. “Besides, they haven’t actually told us we’re getting N70,000 as the new minimum wage.”
Several civil servants shared similar views, noting the absence of clarity on the wage amount and emphasizing their wait-and-see approach. “We’ve heard them, but we’ll wait to see what they actually deliver. Until then, we can’t trust what they say about the new minimum wage.”
The tension surrounding the wage issue has sparked wider conversations among the state’s workers, many of whom remain deeply skeptical of any promises made without concrete figures. For them, the government’s previous shortcomings in handling promotions and arrears have set a troubling precedent. “We just want transparency,” one worker said. “Is that too much to ask?”
As the payment date approaches, all eyes will be on the state government to see whether it will honor its pledge or leave workers disappointed once again. The general feeling among civil servants is that only action not words will restore their faith in the administration’s promises.
