Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reaffirmed that his administration will implement the new minimum wage of ₦80,000 for civil servants only after completing the ongoing staff verification exercise.
He made this known during the 2024 Christmas Carols Festival held on Friday night at the Amphitheater, Unity Park, Udoma Avenue, Uyo.
Governor Eno highlighted the importance of verifying the exact number of state employees before implementing the new wage. While acknowledging an agreement with labour unions to begin payment in December, he stressed that due process must take precedence. He assured workers that the December salary and 13th-month bonus (popularly referred to as “Eno-Mber”) would be paid at the existing rate. In addition, bags of rice will be distributed to the state’s 2,272 gazetted villages as part of Christmas celebrations.
“We had a meeting with labour, and at that tense meeting, agreements were made. They wanted the new minimum wage to start in November, and I said that’s fine, but we need to finish verification,” Eno stated. “If labour gives me that tonight, we start payment tomorrow. I must know the number of workers in the state’s civil service. You must understand that we must do the right thing.”
Following the governor’s remarks, the organized labour unions in the state, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, held an emergency meeting. The unions resolved to expedite the verification exercise by including Saturdays in the schedule, aiming for completion by the first week of January 2025.
In a communiqué issued on Saturday, December 14, 2024, after an enlarged meeting of the State Executive Councils of the NLC and TUC, the unions expressed their willingness to cooperate with the government to fast-track the process.
Signed by NLC Chairperson Comrade Sunny James and TUC Chairperson Comrade Dominic Abang, the communiqué outlined the following resolutions:
1. Appreciation for the New Minimum Wage:
“The organized labour appreciates His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, for approving the ₦80,000 minimum wage for workers in Akwa Ibom State, effective November 1, 2024.”
2. Commitment to Expedited Verification:
“The labour unions agreed to compress the verification exercise schedule to include Saturdays, ensuring its conclusion in the first week of January 2025.”
3. Encouragement to Implement New Wage in January:
“Labour recognizes the mutual benefits of the verification exercise, including wage bill reduction for the government and employment opportunities for labour. We encourage His Excellency to see the exercise through to its logical conclusion and implement the new minimum wage in January 2025.”
4. Acceptance of Current Payment Arrangements:
“The unions agreed to accept the December 2024 salary at the old rate, alongside the 13th-month bonus, to cushion the impact of non-payment of December wages at the new rate.”
5. Concern About Communication:
“The meeting expressed reservations about public announcements on labour-related issues without prior consultation with labour leaders.”
During the Christmas Carols Festival, themed “Peace and Holiness with All Men,” Governor Eno also launched the ARISE Home Farmers Scheme. Under this initiative, 50 home farmers will receive ₦500,000 each to support their agricultural ventures, promoting household farming and enhancing food security across the state.
