Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has directed an immediate review of the salary structure for the New National Minimum Wage to address errors observed in its consequential adjustments.
The Governor issued the directive during a crucial meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and affiliate bodies, led by NLC Chairman Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro. Governor Otti revealed that the state government had received reports of discrepancies in the payment of the minimum wage, which Abia began implementing in October 2024.
“I have instructed my team to re-examine the salary structure and engage with the leadership of Organized Labour within the next few days to make the necessary corrections,” Otti stated, reiterating his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers.
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Despite recent reports listing Abia as one of the states yet to commence the new minimum wage implementation, Governor Otti emphasized that Abia was among the first to implement the policy.
In a further show of commitment, the Governor announced plans to pay both the December salary and the 13th-month bonus to workers before December 20, 2024. He reassured the workforce that his government is fully aligned with their interests, describing them as critical stakeholders in Abia’s development agenda.
The Governor also addressed issues concerning pensioners, expressing disapproval over accusations of deceit by some beneficiaries despite the administration’s efforts to clear arrears dating back to 2014. He noted that since April 2024, pensioners have been receiving full payments on the 28th of every month, a feat he attributed to his administration’s prioritization of pensioners’ welfare.
Governor Otti further acknowledged the contributions of the Abia workforce in his administration’s efforts to rebuild the state, thanking them for their support. “The Abia workforce is a major vehicle that brought this government to power. This interaction is an opportunity to thank you and reaffirm our commitment to making Abia better,” he said.
Reacting to the Governor’s remarks, Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro commended Dr. Otti for his dedication to resolving workers’ concerns and improving their welfare. He assured the Governor of workers’ continued support and promised to raise additional issues for consideration.
The meeting, which drew participation from government officials, NLC and TUC leaders, and other affiliate unions, ended with widespread commendation for Governor Otti. Union representatives described him as a “listening and workers-friendly governor,” expressing satisfaction with his policies and leadership.
