Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum on Sunday advised Nigerian governors against giving excuses not to pay the new minimum.
A statement signed by its Secretary-General, Mr Akin Malaolu, said this in reaction to President Muhammadu Buhari’s signing of N30,000 new minimum salary for government workers.
“We are appealing to the 36 state governors, other political leaders and elders to cause a stem in profligacy and other abuses that may be associated with handling of state funds,” it read.
“The most important asset of a nation is its human capital; if well managed, other resources will definitely blossom and the nation will soar on a trajectory of economic greatness.
“Each state government is expected to imbibe that notion as exemplified by President Buhari and bring development through conscious efforts to boost workers’ morale so that they will be more productive,’’ he said.
The scribe noted that high productivity was achievable even in Nigeria where most states largely depended on allocation from the Federal government.
“The era of sole dependence on Federal allocation should be discarded; state governments should start looking inward with developmental innovations in order to be relevant to its people.
“State governors should be more sincere about state mineral resources and stop under-table explorations which only enrich a few and impoverish the rest.
“A situation whereby state minerals are illegally explored and exported raw without adding value should end; companies should be established to add value and create more employment.
“Similarly, tourism can be better explored for the world to see the rich cultural heritage in every part of the nation.
“That will generate more revenue for state governments to pay their workers, provide infrastructures and be alive to other responsibilities.’’
