Governor Otti: I Will Not Pay More Than N70,000 Minimum Wage

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has firmly stated that his administration will adhere to the N70,000 minimum wage set by the Federal Government, rejecting calls for higher compensation. The Governor emphasized that his decision is rooted in a commitment to transparency and fulfilling promises made to the workforce.

During a recent agreement signing ceremony with Organised Labour, held at the Government House in Umuahia, Otti reiterated the importance of maintaining the N70,000 benchmark, stating that the government aims to avoid making unfulfilled promises. The agreement formalizes the implementation of the new minimum wage and consequential salary adjustments for state workers.

“I want to assure you that effective this month of October, the new minimum wage comes into effect. This means that Abia State workers will receive their salaries reflecting the new national minimum wage,” Otti declared. He clarified that employees at the lowest grade level (Grade Level 1, step 1) will receive the full N70,000.

The Governor emphasized that an empowered workforce is vital for driving economic growth in Abia State. He expressed hope that the new wage policy would encourage workers to demonstrate higher productivity in return for their increased pay. Otti highlighted his administration’s ongoing commitment to improving workers’ welfare and supporting their needs.

In a show of appreciation for the collaborative negotiation process, Otti thanked Organised Labour for their maturity throughout the discussions. He noted that the government had been proactive in addressing the minimum wage issue as early as July when the Federal Government was finalizing its policies.

Mr. Ogbonnaya Okoro, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, praised the state government for being one of the first to implement the national minimum wage agreement. He urged workers to remain patient and dedicated to their duties, assuring them that more positive developments are on the horizon.

Dr. Ngozi Obioma, the Head of Service, echoed these sentiments, stating that the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage will serve as motivation for the workforce. She expressed confidence that the increase would yield higher productivity and enhance the overall performance of Abia’s civil service.

Governor Otti concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to exploring innovative solutions that address the economic challenges facing the people of Abia, ensuring that workers are not only fairly compensated but also supported in times of need.