The Abia State Government led by Dr. Alex Otti has reiterated that it will start paying the new N70,000 minimum wage to its workers beginning in October 2024.
This was revealed on Tuesday at the Government House, Umuahia, during a press conference with journalists by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, following the State Executive Council meeting led by Governor Alex Otti that held on Monday.
Kanu stated that the state government is dedicated to the minimum wage, and payment of the new minimum wage will begin in the coming days.
He mentioned that the decision highlights the government's dedication to enhancing the welfare of workers in the state.
He also said that although the national minimum wage serves as the standard, the state is ready to make adjustments as needed.
"If the governor decides to deviate from the national standard and offer a higher wage, that's acceptable," Kanu added.
Additionally, Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Sunny Onwuma, confirmed the initiative, stating that Abia State is ready to implement the N70,000 minimum wage for its workers.
Furthermore, Kanu announced that the government has approved the construction and reconstruction of nine road projects across the three senatorial zones of the state.
He mentioned that two road projects at Afara-Isi Court and Ikarike Street in Umuahia have been completed.
He also emphasized the successes of the "Clean Up Abia Initiative," led by the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), which has played a key role in maintaining cleanliness in Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia.
According to him, the sanitization of the three abattoirs was to ensure that Abia people are not infected by diseases.
Kanu mentioned that ASEPA has placed over 100 waste bins throughout the state from July to September and has expanded its cleanup efforts to include the Lokpanta abattoir in Umunneochi LGA, as well as abattoirs in Uzuakoli and Arochukwu.
He stated that the sanitization of the three abattoirs aims to protect the people of Abia from disease transmission.
He mentioned that the United Nations Habitat has extended an invitation to the Greater Aba Development Authority and ASEPA to attend a conference in Egypt, where they will have the opportunity to showcase Abia's achievements in environmental management and share their successful practices.
