Deltans have continued to celebrate Friday’s reversal of the cut in minimum wage by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Recall that earlier this year, the governor announced a slash in the minimum wage of certain categories of civil servants and public office holders from July to December, 2020 due to poor receipts in crude oil and sundry allocations from the federal government.

The state government effected a downward review of the salaries of its workforce comprising political appointees and officers on Salary Grade Level 07 and above. The downward review which took effect from July 2020 was intended to last until December, 2020.

But in a pleasant twist, Okowa on Friday announced a reversal, meaning that civil servants and those affected will be getting their full wages ahead of the initial December deadline. This has sent muted jubilation among the affected persons and their dependants.

Below is the state government announcement:

GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Deltans will recall that following the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the National economy and the consequent sharp drop in revenues accruing to all tiers of government, the State Government, after due consultations with the Organized Labour, carried out a downward review of the salaries of its workforce comprising political appointees and officers on Salary Grade Level 07 and above. The downward review which took effect from July 2020 was intended to last until December, 2020.

2. However, due to the effects of the recent upward review of pump price of petroleum products and electricity tariffs, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi

Okowa, Governor of Delta State has directed the immediate restoration of salaries of the affected categories of workers and appointees.

3. The State Government commends the understanding exhibited by the Organized Labour and the affected personnel. As we await the full reflation of the country’s economy, Deltans and other residents are implored to continue to lend support to Government’s efforts at confronting the current economic challenge.
4. The Honourable Commissioner of Finance and the Accountant General have already been directed to ensure immediate implementation of this directive.

Chiedu Ebie

Secretary to the State Government