The Abia State Government and the Organized Labour have officially signed an agreement resolving discrepancies in the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage and its consequential adjustments.
Recall that in October 2024, after the State Government began implementation of the new National Minimum Wage, discrepancies were noticed which affected negatively the Civil Servants in levels 8 to 17 whose increments were not fully reflected in the consequential adjustments which Governor Otti had pledged to address.
Signing the agreement at the Government House, Umuahia, Dr. Alex Otti reminded the workers of the need to enhance their commitment to work and accept the responsibility of living up to expectations.
The Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba expressed gratitude to the Labour leaders for their dedication throughout the negotiation process and their zeal to move Abia forward.
“I want to thank you for showing great commitment to the new Abia. From the beginning of this negotiation to today’s signing, we have remained focused on our vision for a better Abia.
“We believe that every Abia worker will now see that to whom much is given, much is also expected“, he said.
Responding, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Abia State Chapter, Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya, appreciated Governor Otti for keeping his promise to the workers, stating that the move demonstrates the Government’s sincerity and dedication to workers’ welfare.
Comrade Okoro who described the agreement as the final step in ensuring fair salary adjustments for all workers, lauded the Governor’s consistent commitment to ensuring equitable pay for all civil servants
He explained that the initial salary structure implemented in October 2024 benefited only workers in levels 1 to 7, leaving those in levels 8 to 17 with discrepancies.
“Since December 6, 2024, when the Governor met with over 115 labour leaders, he has shown a strong commitment to ensuring that Abia workers are well placed.
“Today, I am happy to announce that the corrections have been made, and the new salary structure has been signed into agreement.
“The Head of Service will now issue a circular to ensure that all workers, from level 1 to 17, receive the right wages.
“Every civil servant in Abia will rejoice with this development. The presence of all key government officials and labour leaders today is proof that this was done in unity and fairness,” Ogbonnaya stated.
Present at the meeting were the Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojiekere, the Commissioner of Finance, Hon. Uwaoma Ukandu, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Senior Special Assistant on Labour Relations, Mr. Godson Anucha, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, the Accountant General of the State, Mrs. Njum Onyemenam , TUC Chairman, Comrade Ihechi Enogwe among other officials.
