The Abia State Government (ABSG) and Organized Labour have officially signed a new agreement finalizing the corrected implementation of the the new National Minimum Wage and its consequential adjustments.
It would be recalled that Abia State Government was one of the very few states that began the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage in October 2024, unfortunately some discrepancies were noticed which affected negatively civil servants between level 8 to 17 as their increments were not fully reflected in the consequential adjustments. The Leadership of The Organised Labour subsequently brought the development to the attention of Governor Otti who quickly set up a committee to meet with Labour and resolve the gray areas.
After weeks of discussions and computation, they reached an amicable resolution of the isaue and subsequently signed a fresh agreement at Government House, Umuahia earlier today.
Speaking after the signing of the agreement, the State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti who was represented by the Chief of Staff to the Governor who led the representatives of the government, reminded the workers the need to enhance their commitment to work and accept the responsibility of living up to expectations.
Pastor 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,”
Responding, the highly eleted State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Abia State Chapter, Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya, appreciated Governor Otti, on behalf of other officials of Labour that were present and the entire Abia Workforce for keeping his promise to the workers, stating that the action demonstrates the Governor’s sincerity and dedication to workers’ welfare.
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 benefited workers on levels 1 to 7, leaving those on 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 for Finance, Hon. Uwaoma Ukandu, Accountant General of the State, Dr. Njum Onyemenam, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Senior Special Assistant on Labour Relations, Mr. Godson Anucha, TUC Chairman, Comrade Ihechi Enogwe among other officials of The Organised Labour.
Ferdinand Ekeoma
Special Adviser
(Media and Publicity) to the Governor
