The Akwa Ibom State government and organized labour unions are on a potential collision course regarding the payment of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage recently approved by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
Tensions have risen due to the government’s delay in initiating steps towards implementing the new wage structure. Sunny James, the chairman of the state wing of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), expressed concerns in an interview, stating that there has been no formal discussion with the state government on the matter. He made it clear that workers would accept nothing less than the ₦70,000 minimum wage as stipulated by the new law.
“There’s no way we can collect anything less than ₦70,000 as the new minimum wage. We will not accept that. The governor has not also said that he will not pay,” James stated.
He further explained that the process for implementing the new wage in Akwa Ibom had yet to begin. He emphasized that when new minimum wage legislation is passed, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), in collaboration with the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), must meet to agree on consequential adjustments.
James highlighted the need for a seamless salary adjustment across different levels, noting that a uniform application of a 133% increase could lead to disproportionately high salaries for those on higher levels, such as Level 14 and 15.
Addressing concerns from some state governors about their inability to pay the new minimum wage, James expressed confidence that the organized labour and the Akwa Ibom State government would eventually reach an agreement aligned with the national minimum wage law.
“Akwa Ibom State governor will not complain that he cannot pay ₦70,000,” he said.
Effiong Essien, the Head of Civil Service in the state, echoed similar sentiments, stating that discussions would commence once the federal government releases the circular on the consequential adjustments.
“The state government is still waiting for the circular on the new minimum wage. You know it has a process. After the legislation, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission has to release a circular with consequential benefits,” Essien explained. He added that once the state receives this circular, it would begin preparations for implementing the new wage.
When asked if Akwa Ibom would indeed pay the ₦70,000 minimum wage, Essien emphasized that the final decision would come from the governor. It is worth noting that Governor Umo Eno, while addressing workers on May 1, 2024, mentioned that feedback from the federal government would guide the state on the new wage implementation.
In a related development, Governor Umo Eno has called on Akwa Ibom indigenes in the diaspora to contribute to the development of the state by leveraging their skills and resources. Speaking at the 2024 Convention of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (AKISAN, USA) in Nashville, Tennessee, the governor commended the unity among Akwa Ibomites across the United States and praised their efforts to promote the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Governor Eno also congratulated Ukeme Awakessien-Jeter on her historic election as Mayor of Upper Arlington City, Ohio, noting that she is the first person of color to hold the position in over a century. He described her as a proud daughter of Nsit Ibom, Akwa Ibom State.
He assured the gathering that his administration is committed to positioning Akwa Ibom as one of the most peaceful, enterprising, and growth-driven states in Nigeria. He urged Akwa Ibom indigenes to continue being good ambassadors of the state and to support the government’s ARISE Agenda, which he believes will bring significant benefits to the people.
“It is always heartening to see the love that you all radiate, the deep affinity and passion you show towards our cultural heritage, and the intentional manner you have launched and introduced your children to the strands of this rich cultural tapestry,” the governor said, addressing the convention attendees. He praised the unity displayed by Akwa Ibomites from across the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, in celebrating their culture and identity.
