Abia State Government Reveals Date for Implementation of New Minimum Wage for Civil Servants

The Abia State government has announced that it will begin implementing a new minimum wage for civil servants effective October. This decision was revealed by the State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, during a press briefing following a State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Dr. Alex Otti.

While Kanu did not specify if the new wage aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s benchmark of ₦70,000, he confirmed that the adjustment would apply to all categories of workers in the state.

In addition to the wage announcement, the state government plans to enhance the administration of justice by constructing 17 court halls across various local government areas. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health is set to organize a free medical outreach next week in Ugwunagbo, which will offer free consultations, maternal and child healthcare services, and diagnostic tests.

The government is also taking steps to support local athletes, with plans to host para-Olympic champions, including gold medalist Onyinyechi Mark and silver medalist Esther Nworgu, in recognition of their achievements.

The Abia State chapter chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya, expressed that the union will not accept anything less than the ₦70,000 minimum wage approved by the federal government. In a recent interview, Ogbonnaya emphasized that the NLC is focused on negotiating consequential adjustments for civil servants across various grade levels.

“Our position remains firm,” he stated, highlighting that discussions will continue with the state government to ensure that the new minimum wage is effectively implemented. He anticipates that negotiations will conclude by the end of October, ensuring that civil servants receive their new wages as promised.

Ogbonnaya commended the governor for the commitment to the new wage, viewing it as a positive step towards better compensation for workers. He affirmed that the payment of ₦70,000 will commence with level 1 step 1 employees, while subsequent negotiations will address adjustments for higher-grade workers.