The Abia State Government has made a significant move to improve the welfare of its workers by announcing the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, effective October 2024.
This development was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing on Tuesday, following the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
According to Kanu, “The state government is committed to the minimum wage, and within the next few days, payment of the new minimum wage will commence.” He also emphasized that the state is prepared to adjust the national minimum wage benchmark as deemed necessary, with the governor having the discretion to pay higher if needed. “If the governor wants to deviate from the national standard and pay higher, so be it,” Kanu added.
In addition to the minimum wage implementation, the government has approved the procurement of nine new road projects across the state’s three senatorial zones. The “Clean Up Abia Initiative” has also recorded significant success, with the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) deploying over 100 waste receptacles across the state and extending its cleanliness efforts to key locations. The United Nations Habitat has taken notice of Abia’s environmental achievements, inviting the Greater Aba Development Authority and ASEPA to share their success story at a conference in Egypt.
The Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Sunny Onwuma, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to implementing the N70,000 minimum wage. This move has generated positive reactions, with many praising Governor Otti’s leadership and commitment to workers’ welfare.
