The Abia State government has described as false and misleading the information making the rounds that Abia is among the 14 states yet to commence the implementation of the new national minimum wage, stating that it has already begun implementation since October this year.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the Government House in Umuahia during a meeting with the Organized Labour in the state, emphasized that Abia was one of the first states to implement the new wage for workers.
Pastor Ajagba, while reaffirming Governor Alex Otti commitment to prioritizing the welfare of Abia workers, reiterated that the present administration has always demonstrated a commitment to industrial harmony and the well-being of Abia workers.
He noted that the issue stemmed from grey areas observed by the organized labour after implementation, adding that government has exhibited firm commitment to addressing these issues and assured that any shortcomings arising from the implementation would be fully addressed.
Describing Abia and the government of Dr. Alex Otti as responsible and responsive, Pastor Ajagba stated that the Organized Labour has always enjoyed a cordial working relationship with the state government.
Answering questions from journalists during the meeting, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro, and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Comrade Ihechi Eneogwe, confirmed that the Abia State government had already commenced the implementation of the new minimum wage from October this year. They clarified that the issue involved some anomalies observed in the salaries of workers between grade levels 8 to 16.
They assured that the Organized labour is currently in talks with the Abia State government to address the grey areas, emphasizing that workers between grade levels 8 to 16 would have reasons to smile going forward.
The Abia State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Uwaoma Ukandu, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Comrade Sunny Onwuma, the Abia State Head of Service, Dr. Ngozi Obioma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma and other top government officials were present during the briefing.
