The Abia State Government has announced plans to commence payment of the new N70,000 minimum wage in October 2024. The decision was disclosed during a press briefing on Tuesday by the state commissioner for information, Prince Okey Kanu, following the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday and chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of workers in the state. “The state government is committed to the minimum wage, and because of this, within the next few days, the payment will commence,” he stated, noting that the decision aligns with the state’s worker-friendly policies.
While addressing the national minimum wage policy, Kanu hinted that Governor Otti may choose to go beyond the stipulated national minimum if necessary. “It is known that there is a national minimum wage, and the state will take it from there. However, if the governor wants to deviate from there, so be it,” he added.
The Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Sunny Onwuma, reaffirmed the state’s decision to implement the N70,000 minimum wage. He confirmed that the state is aligned with the national wage standard and that workers can expect this increase in their salaries starting in October.
In addition to the wage announcement, Prince Okey Kanu disclosed that nine new road projects will be undertaken across the three senatorial zones of the state. These projects are part of Governor Otti’s efforts to improve infrastructure and boost economic development.
The announcement of the new wage and infrastructure projects underscores the government’s focus on both worker welfare and infrastructural development as part of its broader development agenda. The state government hopes these initiatives will positively impact the lives of the citizens of Abia.
