Minimum Wage: Abia Replies NLC, Distances Self From Defaulting States

The Abia State Government has strongly refuted claims by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that it is among the 14 states yet to implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage. This comes as the NLC threatened to commence a nationwide strike on Monday due to non-compliance by affected states.

Addressing a joint press conference with the state leadership of Organized Labour at the Government House in Umuahia on Sunday, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Chief of Staff to Governor Alex Otti, stressed that Abia began implementing the new minimum wage in October. He expressed surprise at Abia’s inclusion in the NLC’s list, emphasizing the state’s proactive steps.

“It is misinformation to say Abia State has not started implementing the new minimum wage. Abia workers received their first salary under the new structure in October, and this continued in November,” Ajagba clarified. He reiterated Governor Otti’s commitment to prioritizing workers’ welfare and maintaining industrial harmony.

Ajagba acknowledged some concerns raised by Organized Labour after the initial implementation but assured that these issues would be addressed promptly. “Governor Otti has consistently prioritized the well-being of Abia workers. We finalized discussions with Organized Labour in October, and the first payments followed immediately,” he added.

The State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Ihechi Eneogwe, confirmed that Abia had indeed implemented the new wage structure starting in October. However, they highlighted salary discrepancies affecting workers between grade levels 8 and 16.

“While the implementation began in October, it primarily benefited workers from levels 1 to 7. Unfortunately, those in levels 8 to 16 have not been adequately accommodated,” Okoro stated. He pointed out anomalies where workers on level 7 were receiving higher salaries than those on level 10. Organized Labour has since urged the government to address this imbalance through a formal letter.

The press conference was attended by key government officials, including the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Uwaoma Ukandu; the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Comrade Sunny Onwuma; Head of Service, Dr. Ngozi Obioma; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma.

Abia’s leadership reaffirmed its dedication to resolving these discrepancies and ensuring fair treatment for all workers.