NLC Backs Abia Govt On Minimum Wage Implementation

Abia State civil servants have expressed their appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for his unwavering commitment to their welfare, following the full implementation of the minimum wage adjustment.

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.

THE WHISTLER reports that the adjustment primarily benefits civil servants on salary levels 8 to 17, who were initially left out of the October 2024 minimum wage implementation. Following labour’s agitation, the governor directed key officials to work with labour representatives to rectify the anomalies, a process that began on December 6, 2024, with consultations involving over 115 labour leaders.

Responding, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Abia State, Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro, hailed the governor’s decision, describing it as a major victory for Abia workers.

“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.

His Excellency made it clear that workers’ welfare is his priority and directed that all necessary corrections be made without delay. Today, I am happy to announce that we have completed the assignment, and the governor has approved and signed it into law,” Okoro said.

With the new salary structure, all civil servants, from levels 1 to 17, will now receive equitable wages. The NLC chairman assured workers that a formal circular from the Head of Service would soon be released to communicate the adjustments officially.

While labour leaders welcomed the development, they also urged the government to consider paying arrears for December 2024 and January 2025. However, Okoro emphasised that the immediate focus was on implementing the corrected wage structure, which workers would begin to enjoy with their February salary.

“For now, we are focused on implementation. But that does not mean we won’t ask for more. If possible, we would appreciate something for December and January as well,” he noted.

He described the agreement as the final step in ensuring fair salary adjustments for all workers. He recalled that in October 2024, an initial salary structure was implemented, but it only benefitted workers in levels 1 to 7, leaving those in levels 8 to 17 with discrepancies.

“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.

In a show of appreciation, workers pledged to redouble their efforts in supporting the government’s vision for a transformed Abia. They announced plans to publicly celebrate the achievement through media broadcasts and symbolic demonstrations of gratitude.

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.

NLC Backs Abia Govt On Minimum Wage Implementation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper