We’re ready to pay new minimum wage, says Akwa Ibom Govt

Elder Effiong Essien, Akwa Ibom State Head of Service, has confirmed that the state governor has agreed to pay the new minimum wage agreed between Federal Government and Nigeria Labour Congress.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Essien made the announcement amidst a statement by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, a body comprising 36 State governors, expressing doubts about the feasibility of the proposed N60,000 minimum wage.

“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,” Essien said.

The Head of Service who noted that the Public Service Week has not been celebrated in the State for the last 10 years, expressed gratitude to the state Governor, Umo Eno, for giving workers the opportunity to join their counterparts around the world to mark this year’s Public Service Week.

Essien said, “June 23 of every year is observed globally as the United Nations Public Service Day. The day is set aside to celebrate people working in the public service for their contributions to the development of the society.

“It was in recognition of this important role by the public service that our workers’-friendly Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno as part of his efforts at motivating the Akwa Ibom Workforce for optimal productivity, graciously approved the celebration of the 2024 Public Service Week…10 years it was last observed in the state”

While urging workers to keep track of all events lined up for the weeklong celebration, Essien called on workers to show appreciation to the Governor his disposition to them

He listed the governor’s achievements to include prompt release of over N18 billion for the settlement of outstanding pensions, gratuities and leave grants, regular settlement of workers entitlements and packages the three months wage award, the 13th Months salary tagged ‘Enomber’.as well as the release of promotions, the conduct of all service examinations among others.

Our correspondent reports that the celebration began with a novelty football match on Tuesday, June 18th, and will continue with a public lecture today, Thursday, June 20th, at 9:00 a.m. at the Civil Service Auditorium, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo

The events lined up include a fitness walk (roadwork) on Saturday, June 22nd, at 7:00 a.m., starting from Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, and a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, June 23rd, at the International Worship Centre, Uyo, where Governor Umo Eno will be the Special Guest of Honour.