By Tosin Temiye. Abuja
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has directed a review of the salary structure for the newly implemented national minimum wage to address errors identified in the consequential adjustments.
Otti issued the directive during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and their affiliate bodies in Umuahia, the state capital, on Tuesday.
The governor acknowledged reports highlighting discrepancies in the payment of the minimum wage, which Abia State began implementing in October 2024. He assured labour leaders that his administration would collaborate with them in the coming days to resolve the issues.
“I have instructed my team to revisit the salary structure. In the next few days, we will engage with Labour leadership to make necessary adjustments,” Otti said.
He also refuted claims that Abia State had yet to implement the new minimum wage, emphasizing that the state was one of the first to commence its implementation.
December and 13th Month Salaries to Be Paid Before December 20
Governor Otti announced plans to pay both December salaries and 13th-month bonuses to workers before December 20, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to the welfare of public servants.
Addressing concerns from pensioners, Otti condemned accusations of deception against his government, despite clearing pension arrears dating back to 2014. He highlighted that since April 2024, pensioners have been receiving full payments by the 28th of every month.
“When I first met with the NUP leadership, they asked for full monthly pension payments moving forward, even if arrears were left unsettled. I felt that wouldn’t be fair. My administration took steps to address those arrears,” he explained.
Workers as Key Partners in Governance
Governor Otti recognized the contributions of Abia workers in his electoral victory and expressed gratitude for their continued support in the state’s rebuilding agenda. He described the workforce as a key stakeholder in efforts to transform the state’s image and infrastructure.
In response, Ogbonnaya Okoro, the chairman of the Abia State NLC, commended the governor for his proactive measures and benevolence toward workers. He assured Otti of the labour unions’ unwavering support and promised to present additional concerns for the administration’s consideration.
The meeting underscored the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration with labour unions while addressing pressing issues affecting workers and pensioners in Abia State.