Akwa Ibom Governor Insists on Verification Before Implementing Minimum Wage

Akwa Ibom Governor Insists on Verification Before Implementing N80,000 Minimum Wage

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has emphasized that the proposed N80,000 minimum wage for state civil servants will only take effect after a comprehensive verification exercise is completed. Speaking during the 17th Annual State Christmas Carol Service in Uyo, the governor made it clear that no threats of industrial action from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) would influence his decision to bypass this critical process.

Verification for Transparency

Governor Eno stressed that his administration’s commitment to transparency necessitates an accurate count of civil servants before implementing the new wage structure. “We cannot proceed with the payment until the verification exercise is concluded. Nobody will pressure me into bypassing this process,” he stated.

The governor assured that the NLC, which is part of the verification committee, would provide the necessary report to enable swift implementation of the wage adjustment.

13th-Month Salary and Current Payment Structure

In the meantime, Eno promised state workers a 13th-month salary, calculated based on the current salary structure. “We will pay the 13th month as a bonus. It has already been calculated and will be disbursed using the old salary structure until the verification exercise is complete,” he said.

Christmas Gesture for Communities

As part of the festive season celebrations, Governor Eno announced that each of the state’s 2,272 villages would receive 20 bags of rice. He urged community leaders to ensure fair distribution, emphasizing that relief efforts should transcend political affiliations. “Hunger knows no party,” he remarked.

Assurance of Commitment

Governor Eno reaffirmed his dedication to the welfare of state workers, urging patience as the verification process continues. “Once the verification is done, we will implement the minimum wage immediately,” he concluded.

This firm stance highlights the governor’s focus on accountability and equitable resource management as his administration prepares to deliver on its promises.