On Tuesday, the Abia State Government revealed that it will commence the payment of the new N70,000 minimum wage to workers in the state starting from October 2024.
News About Nigeria reports that the Abia State government’s decision is in line with the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage by the Federal government.
The announcement was made during a press briefing by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, following the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday, chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
According to Kanu, the decision to pay the new N70,000 minimum wage from October underscores the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of workers in the state.
The Commissioner further stated that while the national minimum wage is the benchmark, the state is prepared to adjust as deemed necessary.
He said, “The state government is committed to the minimum wage, and within the next few days, payment of the new minimum wage will commence. If the governor wants to deviate from the national standard and pay higher, so be it.”
Kanu, therefore, called on workers in the state to continue to support Governor Otti in building the state, noting that his administration has their interests and welfare as a top priority.
Confirming the payment of the new minimum wage, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Sunny Onwuma, noted that Abia State is set to implement the N70,000 minimum wage for its workers.
He further lauded Governor Otti for his consistent support for the workers in the state, adding that the governor has been a source of encouragement to workers even in the face of current economic hardship.