Emmanuel Ochayi
Akwa Ibom Raises Minimum Wage to N80,000
Akwa Ibom State has announced a new minimum wage of N80,000 for all its employees. The announcement was made by Governor Umo Eno in a statement released by Ini Ememobong, the state’s Commissioner for Information. This wage increase is aimed at improving the living conditions of government workers in the state.
“The government is committed to ensuring that workers are adequately compensated for their efforts. We believe this new minimum wage will make a real difference in the lives of our employees,” the statement read.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelImplementation Committee Established
To ensure the smooth execution of the new minimum wage, the governor has formed a 15-member implementation committee. The committee is tasked with developing a plan to roll out the new wage structure within the next month.
The head of the state’s civil service will chair the committee, with members including high-ranking officials such as the chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, and permanent secretaries from key ministries like Finance and Labour.
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Governor Eno emphasized that the committee’s report must be submitted within one month to ensure that workers begin receiving the new minimum wage as soon as possible.
Labour Unions Involved in the Process
The inclusion of major labour unions such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the committee has been well-received. The state chairpersons of both unions, along with representatives from other employee groups like the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), are part of the decision-making process.
Speaking on behalf of the unions, the NLC chairperson said, “This new minimum wage is a positive step forward, and we are pleased to be part of the discussions on its implementation. Workers have been waiting for this, and we are eager to see it in effect.”
A Step Towards Improving Worker Welfare
The decision to raise the minimum wage comes after calls from workers for better pay to cope with rising living costs. Akwa Ibom’s N80,000 minimum wage is one of the highest in the country, and the government hopes it will set a new standard for other states.
The implementation of the new minimum wage will be closely watched, with expectations that the committee will deliver its report on time. Governor Eno reassured the public, stating, “Our government is focused on worker welfare, and we will ensure that this minimum wage is implemented efficiently and fairly.”
Akwa Ibom workers can expect to see changes in their paychecks once the wage increase takes effect, pending the committee’s report.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
