All Nigeria Latest News reports that the Ekiti State Government has implemented a 25% salary reduction for Governor Kayode Fayemi and political appointees, citing financial challenges.
The State government also temporarily suspended the consequential adjustment of the new minimum wage for officers on Grade Level 07 to Grade Level 12 for three months, starting from May to July 2021.
The government approved the new measures after reaching an agreement with the leadership of the Organised Labour following series of meetings on the latest state of finance occasioned by a shortfall in the allocations from the Federation Account.
An agreement to that effect was sealed and signed by the representatives of the government and leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) in Ado Ekiti on Friday.
It was also agreed that the monthly Running Grants (RGs) released to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on monthly basis be reduced to reflect the latest economics realities on ground.
Another deal struck was that an Economic Review Committee would henceforth meet monthly (five days after Federation Accounts Allocation Committee release) to keep Labour abreast of the financial position of the State and actions to be taken.
Addressing a joint press conference with the Organised Labour on Friday in Ado Ekiti after the pact was signed, the Head of Service, Mrs. Olapeju Babafemi, said the agreement was the high point of interactions Governor Fayemi started on May 4 when he presented a State of the State Address on the financial position and how to address the challenges posed.
Mrs. Babafemi commended the labour leaders for their sacrifice and understanding, expressing optimism that Ekiti will successfully navigate through the period of financial challenges.
She assured that the Fayemi administration, which it described as worker-friendly, would be faithful to the terms of the agreement reached with the workers to ensure a peaceful industrial climate in the state.
Speaking on behalf of Labour, the JNC Chairman, Comrade Kayode Fatomiluyi, appreciated the political class in Ekiti for sacrificing 25 per cent of their monthly salaries and also hailed the government for making efforts that would not lead to retrenchment of workers.
Fatomiluyi acknowledged that Nigeria and workers are passing through a very harsh economic climate but noted that Labour would not shirk its responsibility of protecting the interests of workers despite the prevailing situation.