The Abia State Government has dismissed claims by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) that the state has failed to implement the National Minimum Wage.
In a press briefing at the Government House in Umuahia, Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba clarified that the Dr. Alex Otti-led administration is not among the 14 states yet to adopt the new N70,000 minimum wage. He emphasized that Abia State began implementing the new wage in October, fulfilling the government’s pledge to prioritize workers’ welfare.
“It is false to say Abia State has not implemented the new minimum wage. Abia workers received their first salary at the new wage rate in October, and the same was done in November,” Ajagba said.
The State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ogbonnaya Okoro, confirmed that the minimum wage was implemented in October, but noted that there were concerns regarding the Consequential Salary Adjustment. Okoro explained that while workers in grade levels 1 to 7 saw full benefits, employees in grade levels 8 to 16 were not adequately addressed, prompting the Labour Union to formally request a review to ensure fair treatment for all workers.
