The Akwa Ibom State Government, under the leadership of Governor Pastor Umo Eno, has confirmed the rollout of a new N80,000 minimum wage for verified workers starting in January 2025. This announcement was made during the 2025 Thanksgiving Service of the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
Governor Eno emphasized that the implementation of this wage increase would be contingent on the completion of a verification process aimed at ensuring only eligible workers benefit. He stated that the arrears for this wage hike would be paid retroactively from November 2024. This measure, according to Eno, is part of his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, with the governor also addressing a significant backlog of gratuities amounting to N97 billion.
Eno praised the NUJ for their professionalism and support, while also defending his administration’s worker-friendly policies. He highlighted ongoing efforts to clear gratuity backlogs and other entitlements, reinforcing his pledge to prioritize the welfare of the state’s workforce. He dismissed any threats of industrial action as unnecessary, asserting his government’s unique approach to worker welfare in Nigeria.
Comrade Amos Etuk, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Council of NUJ, expressed gratitude towards Governor Eno for his supportive stance towards the media, promising continued collaboration to promote the state’s ARISE Agenda.
This development in Akwa Ibom comes in the context of similar actions in other states, like Kebbi, where Governor Nasir Idris announced a new minimum wage of ₦75,000 for state workers, indicating a trend towards increasing public sector wages to cope with economic realities.
This initiative by the Akwa Ibom State Government reflects a broader commitment to improving the living standards of its workers amidst national economic challenges, ensuring that the increase in wages is managed through a transparent verification process to prevent fraud and ensure that the benefits reach the rightful recipients.
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