By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Abia State Government and the Leadership of organized Labour have announced the resolution of all grey areas in the implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage.
The Source reports that the commencement of the implementation of the minimum wage in October 2024 was marked by strong disagreement arising from the computation of the consequential components of the wage policy.
The leadership of organized Labour had rejected the computation, which it insisted was heavily characterized by serious discrepancies.
For one, the implementation module applied by the Government had led to a situation whereby workers between grade levels one and seven were earning more than level 10 civil servants.
The resultant loud outcry and even outright threat to down tool by Labour forced the Abia State Government to constitute a joint committee to reconcile the observed areas of disagreements.
At the official signing of the agreement on Friday, February 14, 2025, Dr Caleb Ajagba, the Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, appreciated the Labour Leadership in the State for its commitment towards resolving the situation.
Particularly, he acknowledged the seriousness attached to the process by the Labour Leaders, noting that it signposts a high level of patriotism and dedication on their part towards repositioning Abia State.
“I want to thank you for showing commitment to the new Abia. From the beginning to today’s signing ceremony, we have remained focused on our vision and mission for a better Abia state.
We believe that every Abia worker will now see that to whom much is given, much is also expected”, the Chief of staff noted.
The Abia State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro, while describing the agreement as the final and acceptable step towards enthroning a regime of fairness in the new minimum wage implementation, also expressed gratitude to the state Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for keeping to his promise of correcting all perceived anomalies.
He specifically lauded the State Government’s sincerity of purpose throughout the period of discussions.
“Since December 6, 2024, when the Governor met with over 115 Labour Leaders in the State, he has demonstrated enough commitment towards ensuring that Abia workers are well placed ,as it concerns the N70,000 new minimum wage.
“Today, I am happy to announce that the needed corrections have been effected, and the new salary structure agreement signed by all parties .
“The Head of Service will now issue a circular directing that all workers from levels 1 to 17 receive commensurate wages.
“The salary structure implemented in October 2024, benefited only workers between levels one and seven”, the NLC chairman stated.
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