UYO, In a landmark decision aimed at improving the welfare of public servants in Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno has approved the commencement of the ₦80,000 minimum wage payment to verified public service workers. The implementation, set to begin at the end of January 2025, will be backdated to November 2024, as earlier promised by the Governor.
The approval follows the submission of a comprehensive report by the Committee on the Implementation of the New Minimum Wage and Personnel Verification, chaired by the Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien. The report revealed that out of an initial staff strength of 55,120, a total of 45,984 workers were successfully verified and cleared for payment, while 6,193 workers have verification issues, and 2,943 failed to show up for the exercise.
Speaking while receiving the report at Government House, Uyo, Governor Eno expressed gratitude to the Committee for its diligent work and emphasized his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare despite prevailing economic challenges. “The civil service forms a critical mass of employees in our state government. Since we came on board, their welfare has remained a key priority,” he said.
The Governor directed the Office of the Accountant General, Auditor General, and the Director of Budget to expedite preparations for the payment process. He also announced a 30-day extension for unverified workers to complete their verification, after which their salaries would be suspended.
Acknowledging the Committee’s recommendation, Governor Eno approved the continuation of annual verification exercises to enhance accountability within the civil service. He also directed the Committee to extend its focus to pension schemes, citing the potential for irregularities in payments to retirees.
Highlighting the government’s efforts to foster good relations with organized labor, the Governor disclosed that over ₦47 billion of a ₦97 billion gratuity backlog inherited from 2012 has been cleared, alongside other palliatives for workers and residents of Akwa Ibom State.
The Implementation Committee on the Minimum Wage, established in December 2024, comprises key government officials, labor representatives, and financial experts. Its mandate includes ensuring a smooth rollout of the new minimum wage and addressing issues arising from the verification process.
Governor Umo Eno’s approval of the ₦80,000 minimum wage underscores his administration’s commitment to alleviating the economic hardships faced by public servants and fostering transparency in Akwa Ibom State’s civil service operations.
