Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area in Lagos State, Fatai Ayoola, has stated that local governments have no excuse not to implement the newly approved ₦70,000 minimum wage.
According to Daily Post, Ayoola stated in Lagos on Thursday that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has provided increased federal allocations and financial autonomy, enabling local governments to meet the new wage demands.
He pointed out that federal allocations to local governments have doubled under the current administration, allowing them to manage the increased salary requirements effectively.
Ayoola said, “There is no reason councils should not be able to pay the minimum wage, with direct federal allocations to them.
“Ajeromi-Ifelodun pays more than the minimum wage in terms of allowances added to the salaries of our staff members.
“Paying the minimum wage will not pose any issue to us and will not affect our ongoing and future projects.”
Ayoola also mentioned that the council provides regular support to its staff and community members through various initiatives.
“We buy a trailer of rice monthly bag the rice into 10kgs and sell it for less than ₦7,000 to people in our communities.BWe also distribute portions of cow meat, we take care of security outfits that support protecting our environment,” he explained.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for facilitating financial autonomy for local governments, allowing them to make a more significant impact on their communities and ensure accountability.
Ayoola urged local council officials to make necessary sacrifices for the benefit of grassroots communities and encouraged Nigerians to hold their local government chairmen accountable.