Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has clarified that the state government has not received any funds from the Federal Government for the implementation of the N35,000 wage award.
During a meeting in Abia with labor leaders from the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Otti addressed misleading claims regarding federal funds.
“There have been misleading stories suggesting that the Federal Government provided funds to state governments for the wage award implementation. Last time I checked, there were no such monies. This state has not received a dime from the Federal Government to implement any wage award,” Otti stated.
Otti assured that the state government has been implementing the minimum wage, with the payroll showing that the least paid worker receives N30,000 monthly. He emphasized, “I see the payroll, and I didn’t see anyone paid less than N30,000, which is the minimum wage. If there’s a discrepancy, I urge the Accountant-General to investigate, as our records show compliance.”
Addressing economic concerns like the removal of fuel subsidies, foreign exchange rate adjustments, inflation, and poverty, Otti stressed the need to increase the minimum wage. He affirmed the state’s readiness to implement a new minimum wage once the Federal Government finalizes its decision.
“We don’t want to move ahead of the Federal Government, so I’m closely monitoring the discussions between the Federal Government and organized labor at the center,” he added.
Regarding the reversal of command promotions given by the previous administration, Otti explained that it was due to the flawed process involved. He assured unions that future promotions would follow due process and directed the Accountant-General to disburse leave allowances to Abia workers.
Otti also addressed the arrears of salaries owed to workers in state-owned higher learning institutions, indicating they would be paid in tranches. He instructed the Head of Service and Accountant-General to involve organized labor in the workers’ verification conducted by the government.
Plans are underway to create a Ministry of Labour and Productivity to enhance the relationship between the government and labor. Otti said the ministry would address labor concerns more effectively and would be headed by a commissioner from the “Labour Community.”
Earlier, State NLC Chairman Mr. Ogbonnaya Okoro expressed satisfaction with the harmonious relationship between organized labor and the government. However, he highlighted several issues, including the non-payment of the ₦30,000 minimum wage, non-payment of the ₦35,000 wage award, and exclusion of labor from the verification exercise. Okoro also urged the government to address the non-payment of leave allowances to workers and severance allowances for recently retired permanent secretaries and directors.
Pathway News reports that the organized labor in the state has issued a notice of its plan to embark on an indefinite strike from July 15.
