Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has revealed plans to consider implementing the federal government’s N35,000 wage award for state workers, as he engaged with executive members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) during a productive meeting.
During the meeting, Otti assured proactive steps, including the formation of a committee to address salary discrepancies and settle arrears owed to various categories of workers, echoing his commitment to creating a conducive environment for all Abia citizens.
The governor emphasized the importance of identifying and eradicating ghost workers and other fraudulent practices within the system, urging the NLC to collaborate in rooting out such malpractices.
“There are a lot of people who are collecting salaries but are not coming to work. My challenge to NLC is to help us, what they (ghost workers) are doing, they are stealing from you. It is very important you take it as a responsibility,” he said.
In response, NLC State Chairman, Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro, lauded Otti’s achievements and urged swift action on implementing the N35,000 wage bill, addressing high-handedness, and resolving salary arrears, while highlighting ongoing challenges faced by workers.
Comrade Okoro took the opportunity to raise concerns about the ongoing verification issue, which has resulted in some workers being denied their salaries for approximately seven months. He also highlighted allegations of worker victimization by Valumbra Floor Mill in Aba, among other pressing matters.
He went on to praise Governor Otti for his considerable achievements in office, particularly his commitment to paying Abia workers on the 28th of every month. Okoro emphasized the importance of the Governor recognizing Abia workers as an integral part of his administration.
“You are doing well and every Abian is happy. Things are happening. It shows that we did not make a mistake when we said we want change,” the NCL boss declared.
