The Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano has directed internally generated revenue agencies in the state to redouble efforts in raising extra N1.4 in revenue in the state.

This is aimed at ensuring that the governor’s promise to be the first to pay the new minimum wage is fulfilled.

Recall that the governor had in his address to civil servants during the electioneering period promises to be the first to pay the wage once it is approved.

Disclosing this to journalists in Awka, the state Head of Service, Mr Harry Udu, said the promise is not a political statement.

He said: “Governor Willie Obiano remains irrevocably committed to fulfilling the promise of being the first governor that will pay the new wage once approved.

“The governor has given matching orders to the Internally Generated Revenue agencies to redouble efforts in raising extra N1.4bn that will ensure that the promise was kept.

“He remains irrevocably committed to fulfilling the promise of being the first governor that will pay the new wage once approved.”

While noting that the state government may increase taxes and levies in the state so as to be able to pay the new minimum wage to its workers, Udu maintained that the commitment towards implementing the new minimum wage was unwavering.

The head of service observed that the implementation would help motivate civil servants in the state to perform optimally adding that government is focused on making arrangements to move to the new minimum wage without having challenges in the legacy of the governor.

Udu said, “Efforts are being made to get additional revenue to sustain the practice of workers receiving salaries on 25th of every month.

“Since the Nigerian Senate had approved the wage increase, efforts are on top gear to ensure that the promise was actualised, once President Muhammadu Buhari gave assent to the bill.

“Once all those processes were done, then the promise will be achieved after due calculations,” he said.

According to him, the directive on the financial implication of the N30,000 minimum wage and other options being considered were being handled, so as to have a seamless transition.

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