Governor Alex Otti Approves N70,000 Minimum Wage for Abia Workers, Effective October
In a significant move aimed at improving the welfare of Abia State workers, Governor Dr. Alex Otti has approved the payment of a new minimum wage of ₦70,000, which will take effect at the end of October 2024. This announcement was made during a press briefing in Umuahia by the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, on Tuesday.
According to Prince Kanu, the new wage structure reflects Governor Otti's empathy for the workforce and his commitment to enhancing the livelihood of civil servants in Abia. He reassured that the payment would commence within the next few days and cover all categories of workers in the state.
“The payment of the minimum wage will begin in the next few days. The Governor has approved that all categories of workers will benefit from this,” Kanu stated.
This decision follows Governor Otti’s earlier commitment to workers, as he had promised to prioritize their welfare and ensure that the administration would take tangible steps toward improving their standard of living. In September, the state government had already signaled the intention to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage by October, in line with the governor’s pledge.
The Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Sunny Onwuma, reiterated the commitment to fair wage distribution, noting that the new minimum wage for workers on **Grade Level 1 Step 1** would now be ₦70,000. Onwuma emphasized that the approval by Governor Otti will benefit all categories of public servants across the state, ensuring equitable treatment for workers at all levels.
Beyond the minimum wage increase, the Governor’s administration is also making efforts to bolster the justice system in Abia State. As part of a wider initiative to enhance public service infrastructure, Governor Otti has also approved the construction of 17 court halls, one for each of the state’s local government areas. This move is intended to strengthen the administration of justice and improve access to legal services in the state.
These actions by Governor Otti showcase his administration’s focus on both immediate worker welfare and long-term institutional development, creating a supportive environment for both public servants and the general populace.
The announcement has been met with widespread approval from workers across the state, who have long awaited better pay and improved working conditions. By committing to the prompt implementation of the new wage policy, Governor Otti is being lauded for his proactive stance and responsiveness to the needs of workers.
Abia State workers now look forward to the fulfillment of this commitment, which signals a new era of enhanced worker welfare under the Otti administration.
