The Akwa Ibom State Government has assured its workers that it will pay the new minimum wage agreed upon by the Federal Government and the Nigerian Labour Congress.
This commitment was conveyed by the State Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien, during a press briefing on Wednesday to mark the 2024 Public Service Week.
Essien emphasized the state government’s consistent support for its workforce, highlighting its previous actions regarding wage increases. “When the issue of minimum wage came up last time, we were among the first states to pay in 2019, even above what was agreed at the national. We’ll declare what we’ll pay once the new minimum wage is announced,” he stated.
The Head of Service also expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for enabling the state to participate in the global celebration of Public Service Week, a tradition that had not been observed in Akwa Ibom for the past 10 years.
Essien highlighted several worker-friendly initiatives implemented by Governor Eno, including the prompt release of over N18 billion for outstanding pensions, gratuities, and leave grants, the regular settlement of workers’ entitlements, and the release of promotions and conduct of service examinations.
