Abia state government has refuted claims made by the national leadership of the organized labour, which alleged that it is one of the 14 states yet to implement the new National Minimum Wage.
The government described the claims as false and misleading.
Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Chief of Staff to the Governor, addressed the issue during a briefing with newsmen at the Government House in Umuahia.
He clarified that Abia was among the first states to begin the implementation of the new wage for its workers, having commenced the process in October this year.
“It is a misinformation that Abia State has not started the implementation of the new minimum wage.
” Of course, Abia workers have been paid the first salary according to the new minimum wage in their October salary and that has also been done this last November.
“So, it is not true that Abia State is one of those States that has not started implementation of the new national minimum wage,” Ajagba stated.
Pastor Ajagba while reaffirming the commitment of Governor Alex Otti in prioritizing the welfare of Abia workers, reiterated that the present administration has always demonstrated commitment to industrial harmony and welfare of Abia workers and wondered why Abia should be named among states yet to implement the new wage.
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He noted that the issue was the grey areas which the Organized Labour observed after the implementation, which government has also shown firm commitment to addressing same and assured that whatever shortcomings arising from the implementation will be well taken care of.
“His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti has always demonstrated his commitment to ensuring industrial harmony and also to make sure the welfare of Abia workers receive priority attention.
“It is on record that Abia State was one of the States that signified the intention and actually went ahead to contact the Organized Labour when the Federal Government concluded the issue of minimum wage.
“We rounded off our deliberations in October and the first payment was made the same October
“After the payment was made to the Organized Labour made some observations which the communicated back to us . In the same spirit of being a very responsible government we assured them that it should be looked into.” Ajagba explained.
While describing Abia and the government of Dr Alex Otti as responsible and responsive, Pastor Ajagba noted that the organized labour has always enjoyed a cordial working relationship with the state government.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Comrade Ihechi Eneogwe confirmed that Abia State government has already commenced implementation of the new minimum wage from October this year, pointing out that the issues was some anomalies observed in the salaries of workers between grade levels 8 to 16.
They noted that the Organized Labour is in talks with the Abia State Government in to endure the error noted is addressed , assuring that it would be corrected.
In his words, the NLC State Chairman, Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro said,
“Let me categorically say that Abia State implemented the minimum wage in October but it did not favour all the workers. It favoured workers between level 1 to 7.
“From 8 to 16 were not properly taken care of. And when we noticed that anomaly, the Organized Labour wrote a letter reminding the government that we have not tidied up the remaining loose ends, that there is need for workers between level 8 and 16 should be better placed.
“Immediately that minimum wage was implemented in October those in level 7 were taken higher payment than those in level 10. And it’s not supposed to be like that.” Okoro maintained.
The Commissioner for Finance, Mr Uwaoma Ukandu, his Labour and Productivity counterpart, Comrade Sunny Onwuma, the state Head of Service, Dr Ngozi Obioma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma among other top government officials were present during the briefing.