Governor Alex Otti Moves To Rectify Minimum Wage Errors In Abia State
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has directed the reworking of the salary structure for the new national minimum wage to address errors observed in the consequential adjustments. The directive was issued during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and affiliated bodies in Umuahia on Tuesday.
Otti acknowledged reports of discrepancies in the implementation of the minimum wage, which commenced in the state in October 2024, and assured the labour unions of swift corrective action. “I have instructed my people to go and look at it again. In the next few days, we will be engaging with the leadership of Labour to make necessary adjustments,” he said.
Commitment to Workers’ Welfare
The governor reaffirmed Abia’s status as one of the first states to implement the new minimum wage, countering claims that the state was yet to comply. He also pledged to pay both the December salary and a 13th-month bonus to workers before December 20, describing his government as a true ally of the labour force.
Otti highlighted the government’s efforts in addressing the plight of pensioners, noting that his administration inherited unpaid arrears dating back to 2014 but has since cleared them. He revealed that pensioners now receive their full payments on the 28th of every month, a practice that began in April 2024.
The governor expressed disappointment with accusations from some pensioners who alleged deception, despite the government’s efforts. “The first time I met with the NUP leadership, they were clear to me to say that what was important to them was to get the government to commit to paying them 100 percent of their pension from that month, and forget about the arrears. I felt it was not fair,” Otti recounted.
Recognizing the Workforce’s Role in Governance
Describing the state’s workforce as a critical driver of his administration’s success, Otti thanked them for their support in transforming Abia’s image. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering collaboration with the labour unions, emphasizing that the meeting was an opportunity to interact with workers and express gratitude for their contributions to the state’s rebuilding agenda.
Labour Union’s Response
The chairman of the Abia State NLC, Ogbonnaya Okoro, commended Governor Otti for his proactive steps to address the minimum wage errors and his dedication to the welfare of workers. Okoro assured the governor of continued support from the workforce and promised to present additional concerns at a later date.
With these commitments, Governor Alex Otti reinforces his administration’s focus on transparency, fairness, and the welfare of Abia’s workforce and pensioners.
