Organised Labour in Abia State has called on Governor Alex Otti to ensure full implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage for all eligible workers across various sectors.
The appeal was made on Thursday in Umuahia during the 2025 May Day celebration by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). A joint address was delivered by the state NLC Chairman, Mr Ogbonnaya Okoro, on behalf of himself and his TUC counterpart, Mr Ihechi Enogwe.
Okoro stated that several categories of workers, including environmental health officers, health workers in ministries and the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, as well as veterinary officers in the Ministry of Agriculture and local government areas, had yet to benefit from the new wage.
Others affected include workers under the Ministry of Social and Women Affairs and the Secondary Education Management Board.
“The Organised Labour will not be able to guarantee industrial peace in those sectors if the minimum wage implementation falls short,” he warned.
Despite the concerns, Okoro expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for negotiating and implementing the new minimum wage for core state and local government workers, as well as for achievements in infrastructure, education, and agriculture.
He, however, urged the governor to address outstanding arrears related to the wage and its consequential adjustments.
Okoro also commended the introduction of the contributory pension scheme but called on the government to fulfil its own financial obligations under the scheme.
He further criticised what he described as “arbitrary and excessive taxation on workers’ salaries” and appealed for urgent intervention to alleviate the burden.
In response, Governor Otti acknowledged the workers’ demands and assured them of his administration’s commitment to their welfare.
“We will consider your requests carefully. Our administration is determined to maintain regular and prompt payment of salaries, which are currently disbursed on or before the 28th of every month,” he said.
He noted that since assuming office in 2023, his government had cleared over ₦30 billion in inherited salary arrears and pledged to maintain open dialogue with workers.
Speaking to journalists, Chief Chiemela Iroha, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees, Abia chapter, welcomed the May Day celebration but acknowledged that more progress was needed.
“The workforce in Abia has endured hardship for years, but for the first time, we’re seeing a glimmer of hope,” he said.
Correspondents report that the theme for this year’s May Day was “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship.”
(NAN)