Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, announced that his administration will pay the Federal Government-approved N70,000 minimum wage to state workers. Despite the harsh economy, the governor stated that his administration has put measures in place to ensure things function smoothly. He emphasized the importance of encouraging and paying civil servants, describing them as the engine room of government. The governor expressed confidence in being able to pay the minimum wage with the increased Internally Generated Revenue and by closing loopholes. He emphasized the need for sub-national governments to align with the federal government's agreement on minimum wage. The settlement reached between the federal government and organised labour in Nigeria includes a new national minimum wage of N70,000. The meeting, held at the instance of President Bola Tinubu, included representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC). Tinubu explained that the wage increase will be reviewed every three years instead of five years. The federal government also promised to invest in infrastructure and renewable energy. The withheld salaries of members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU) will be addressed. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed the settlement and announced the boost in infrastructure investment and renewable energy. The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, stated that wage review negotiations will now be held every three years. The President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, accepted the offer with mixed feelings due to the state of the economy. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) commended the settlement and urged the government to assist the private sector in paying the new wage. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also applauded the approval of the N70,000 minimum wage. [70b02194] [f62c58b3]