Abia State resolves salary concerns following Organized Labour’s push for fair minimum wage adjustments
UMUAHIA, ABIA STATE – The Abia State Government led by governor Alex Otti, on December 1 , Sunday, rejected claims made by the National Leadership of the Organized Labour that it is among 14 states yet to implement the new national minimum wage, describing such reports as “false and misleading.”
During a press briefing at the Government House in Umuahia, as reported by FMINO, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Chief of Staff to Governor Alex Otti, emphasized that Abia State began implementing the new minimum wage as early as October 2023. “It is misinformation that Abia State has not started the implementation of the new minimum wage. Workers have already received their October and November salaries in line with the new wage structure,” Ajagba stated.
Otti’s Administration Built on Fairness and Transparency
However, Ajagba acknowledged concerns raised by Organized Labour regarding salary discrepancies among workers between grade levels 8 to 16. He assured that the government is actively working to resolve these issues. “The Organized Labour raised concerns, and as a responsible administration, we are committed to addressing them to ensure fairness across all grade levels,” he explained.
Reaffirming Governor Otti’s commitment to workers’ welfare, Ajagba noted that the administration has prioritized civil servants’ needs despite economic challenges. “Abia was one of the first states to conclude negotiations with Organized Labour after the Federal Government approved the new wage. Governor Otti’s administration has ensured timely payments and industrial harmony,” he added.
Supporting the government’s stance, Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abia State, confirmed the wage implementation but pointed out irregularities affecting workers between levels 8 and 16. “The implementation has benefitted workers on levels 1 to 7, but anomalies exist where workers on level 7 earned more than those on level 10, which should not be the case,” Okoro stated.
Comrade Ihechi Eneogwe of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) echoed Okoro’s concerns, assuring workers that the Organized Labour is in discussions with the government to address the anomalies. “The discrepancies are being tackled, and we are confident that the state government will resolve this issue soon,” he added.
Other key officials present during the briefing included Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Uwaoma Ukandu; Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Comrade Sunny Onwuma; State Head of Service, Dr. Ngozi Obioma; and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma.
Abia State’s Economic State and Governance under Alex Otti’s Administration
Located in southeastern Nigeria, Abia state is a popular economic hub driven by manufacturing, agriculture, and trade, especially the busy city of Aba, which is commercial center and a powerhouse for local textile and footwear production, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s informal economy.
Under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, who assumed office in 2023 under the Labour Party, the administration has prioritized economic reforms, infrastructure development, and civil service welfare to address systemic challenges caused by past Governors’ administrations.
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Nigeria’s organized labour unions have been vocal about wage adjustments, especially in light of the country’s economic pressures, including inflation exceeding 30%, currency depreciation, and rising living costs.
The new national minimum wage, though a welcome policy, has posed financial challenges for state governments. Amid these hurdles, Abia’s implementation of the wage demonstrates progress, even as discrepancies are being addressed to ensure equitable treatment for all workers.
