Abia State Government (ABSG) and the organized labour in the state have signed the agreement on the implementation of the new national minimum wage of N70,000 and the consequential adjustments.
Speaking during the occasion, the State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti said that government hopes that the gesture would be rewarded by the commitment of workers to higher productivity in the state public service.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba said that Abia State government has been in the forefront of driving for a better welfare for the workers .
“Right from the time the issue of the new minimum wage began, he (Otti) was very emphatic that Abia State will be one of the first states that will pay the minimum wage whenever it is concluded at the national level.”
He gave assurances of the immediate commencement of the payment of the minimum wage.
“We also want to assure that effective this month of October this new minimum wage begins.
“That implies that Abia State workers will be receiving their salaries reflecting the new national minimum wage.
“That is to say that those at the lowest level, that’s Grade Level One Step One will receive a minimum of 70,000 Naira.” Otti stated.
Governor Otti thanked members of the Organized Labour for the level of maturity they displayed while the entire process lasted and described the outcome of the negotiation as a “win – win” situation.
Responding, the leader of the Organized Labour team and state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congres (NLC), Abia State chapter, Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro said the day marks a landmark in the implementation of the new minimum wage.
He thanked Governor Alex Otti, all government officials, Organized Labour and its technical team for keeping vigil for the implementation of the minimum wage and appreciated Abia workers for their patience.
“Today , the 29th day of October, 2024 marks another land mark in the implementation of the new minimum wage.
“We want to appreciate His Excellency for this giant stride. For being one of the first to implement the agreement between the Labour and government”.
In her vote of thanks, the State Head of Service, Dr. Ngozi Queen Obioma expressed her happiness over the signing of the new national minimum wage and its consequential adjustment and thanked Governor Otti for approving the implementation of the new minimum wage for Aboa workers.
She pledged the continuous loyalty and efficient service delivery of the the civil and public servants in the State, assuring that the workers would make the Governor proud.
“We want to thank our Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR for the unprecedented magnanimity and a fatherly heart he has displayed in a moment like this for my constituency, that is the civil and public servants.
“I stand on behalf of the civil and public servants, making a pledge to His Excellency, that having shown us this level of magnanimity to ensure that our welfare is carried along and to motivate us, we say that he will reap the dividends of motivation from Abia workers.” Dr.
Obioma assured.
The signing of the agreement on the implementation of new national minimum wage and the consequential adjustment was done by Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Chief of staff, Dr. Mrs Ngozi Queen Obioma , Abia State Head of Service, Mr. Uwaoma Ukandu Commissioner for Finance , Comrade Sunny Onwuma Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Dcns. Njum Uma-Onyemenam Accountant General of the State all on the side of the government.
For the side of the Organized Labour, the document was signed by Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya Chairman NLC, Comrade Sir Ihechi Enogwe Chairman TUC, Comrade Ekere Uwadi Chairman Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Emmanuel Alozie State Secretary NLC, Comrade George Okogbue State Secretary TUC and Comrade Oby Madubuko State Secretary Joint Negotiating Council.
The Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Kingsley Anosike, Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Monitoring and Evaluation Mazi Ugochukwu Okoroafor, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Labour Relations , Comrade Godson Anucha among other government officials and members of Organized Labour witnessed the event.
