The Abia State Government has announced its readiness to implement the new N70,000 minimum wage for its workers, with payments set to begin in October 2024. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing after the State Executive Council meeting on Monday.
Kanu highlighted that this decision underscores the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its workforce. “The state government is fully committed to the new minimum wage, and within the coming days, the N70,000 payment will begin,” Kanu stated.
He also noted that while the N70,000 wage aligns with the national standard, Abia State is open to further adjustments based on the governor’s discretion.
“If the governor chooses to exceed the national standard and pay more, that will be his prerogative,” Kanu added, signalling the government’s flexibility in addressing workers’ needs.
The Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Sunny Onwuma, also confirmed the state’s preparedness to roll out the N70,000 minimum wage for civil servants.
This follows similar actions by other states to enhance workers’ salaries. For instance, on October 15, 2024, Gombe State approved a new minimum wage of N71,451 for its civil servants and local government employees.
