We will pay agreed new minimum wage, Akwa Ibom assures workers

Akwa Ibom State Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien, has said that the state government would pay the agreed new minimum wage between the Federal Government and Nigerian Labour Congress.

Essien stated this on Wednesday while fielding questions from newsmen during a press briefing to mark the 2024 Public Service Week with the theme “Stay Forward Looking…Make a Difference”.

This is coming at a time when the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, a peer review body of 36 state governors, said that although a new minimum wage is due, but stressed that the proposed N60,000 is not sustainable

“When the issue of minimum wage came up last time, we were among the first states to pay in 2019, even above what was agreed at the national. We’ll declare what we’ll pay once the new minimum wage is announced,” Essien said.

The Head of Service who noted that the Public Service Week has not been celebrated in the State for the last 10 years, expressed gratitude to the state Governor, Umo Eno, for giving workers the opportunity to join their counterparts around the world to mark this year’s Public Service Week.

Essien said, “June 23 of every year is observed globally as the United Nations Public Service Day. The day is set aside to celebrate people working in the public service for their contributions to the development of the society.

“It was in recognition of this important role by the public service that our workers’-friendly Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno as part of his efforts at motivating the Akwa Ibom Workforce for optimal productivity, graciously approved the celebration of the 2024 Public Service Week…10 years it was last observed in the state”

While urging workers to keep track of all events lined up for the weeklong celebration, Essien called on workers to show appreciation to the Governor his disposition to them

He listed the governor’s achievements to include prompt release of over N18 billion for the settlement of outstanding pensions, gratuities and leave grants, regular settlement of workers entitlements and packages the three months wage award, the 13th Months salary tagged ‘Enomber’.as well as the release of promotions, the conduct of all service examinations among others.

Our correspondent reports that the Public Service Week Celebration in Akwa Ibom State commenced last Tuesday, (June 18th) with a novelty football match while a Public Lecture to dissect the theme is scheduled for today Thursday, June 20th at 9.00 at the Civil Service Auditorium, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo

A roadwork (fitness walk) is billed to be held on Saturday 22nd June from 7:00 am at Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat while a Thanksgiving Service which will have Governor Umo Eno as Special Guest of Honour is Scheduled to be held on Sunday, 23rd June at the International Worship Centre, Uyo.