Edo State Government has berated a civic-tech organization, BudgIT, over false report that the state is owing workers salaries.
The state government in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media Projects to the Governor, Crusoe Osagie, declared that the state is regular with payment of salaries to worker up to the local government council workers, adding that no one is owed any salary in the state.
Osagie declared the report unfortunate, saying not only are state workers paid as and when due, but also enjoy a minimum wage of N40,000, the highest in Nigeria.
The Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects, declared: “We hereby debunk the misleading media report by a civic-tech organization, BudgIT, that the Edo State Government is owing workers six months’ salaries. The report is not only false and mischievous; it is disingenuous in its intentions.
“BudgIT obviously got its data wrong. It is regrettable that an organization that should uphold the principles of data integrity and accuracy is involved in spreading incorrect information.
“The Edo State Government does not owe state workers salaries. On the contrary, Edo is the first state to increase the minimum wage to N40,000 above the nationally approved N30,000. It has also been consistent in paying the new wage to workers.
“In fact, the government has over time made it a duty to announce the payment of salaries as soon as workers get their credits on or before the 26th day of every month.
“The Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration prioritises the welfare of its workers and has maintained a cordial relationship with workers across board, leading to a harmonious work environment in the state.”
Crusoe Osagie stated that organisations developing reports on Edo State should seek accurate information from relevant authorities to avoid going to press with incorrect information.