Abia workers to receive N70,000 minimum wage

The Abia State Government has revealed plans to start disbursing the new minimum wage of N70,000 to its employees beginning in October 2024. This announcement was made on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press conference following a State Executive Council meeting led by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu emphasized that this decision reflects the government’s dedication to enhancing the welfare of workers within the state. “The state government is committed to upholding the minimum wage, and payments will begin shortly,” he stated.

He also mentioned that while the national minimum wage serves as a guideline, the state is open to making adjustments as necessary. “If the governor decides to exceed the national standard, that will be acceptable,” Kanu noted.

The Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Sunny Onwuma, confirmed the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for Abia State workers.

In addition to the wage announcement, Kanu shared that the government has approved nine new road projects to be developed across the three senatorial districts of the state.

He also highlighted the successes of the “Clean Up Abia Initiative,” led by the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), which has played a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness in Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia.

Kanu reported that ASEPA has placed over 100 waste bins throughout the state from July to September and has expanded its cleanup efforts to include the Lokpanta abattoir in Umunneochi LGA, as well as those in Uzuakoli and Arochukwu.

Additionally, he mentioned that the United Nations Habitat has invited the Greater Aba Development Authority and ASEPA to a conference in Egypt to present Abia’s achievements in environmental management.