The Abia State Government has announced that it will begin paying a new minimum wage of N70,000 to its workers starting in October 2024.
This decision was made public during a press briefing on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, following the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu stressed the government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of state employees, saying, “The state government is committed to the minimum wage, and within the next few days, payment of the new minimum wage will commence.”
He further hinted at the possibility of surpassing the national standard, adding, “If the governor wants to deviate from the national standard and pay higher, so be it.”
Confirming the move, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Sunny Onwuma, reiterated that Abia is ready to implement the N70,000 minimum wage for its workers.
In addition to the wage increase, Kanu also announced the approval of nine new road projects across Abia’s three senatorial zones, aimed at improving infrastructure.
He highlighted the success of the “Clean Up Abia Initiative,” led by the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), which has significantly improved cleanliness in key areas like Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia.
Between July and September, ASEPA deployed over 100 waste receptacles across the state and extended its operations to clean up abattoirs in Lokpanta, Uzuakoli, and Arochukwu.
Kanu also revealed that the United Nations Habitat has invited the Greater Aba Development Authority and ASEPA to an upcoming conference in Egypt to showcase Abia’s achievements in environmental management.
