The Abia State governmentk has set up a committee to work out the modalities for implementing the N70,000 minimum wage.
Governor Dr. Alex Otti made this announcement during a media chat, “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians,” where he stated that the committee will collaborate with organized labor to ensure a smooth implementation.
The governor emphasized that the committee’s task is to find a practical solution that aligns with the state’s limited resources. He also mentioned that provisions are being made to accommodate an upward adjustment of salaries across the board in the state budget, according to Independent.
Regarding the reported N570 billion grant to states by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Governor Otti clarified that it was not a grant but a World Bank-assisted NG-CARES project loan to help states with COVID-19 recovery.
Additionally, the governor discussed the outcome of the commission of enquiry into the former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, stating that she was not involved in financial impropriety but violated administrative procedures, leading to her resignation.
Governor Otti also announced plans to organize local government elections, with preparations underway to conduct the polls as soon as possible.
Reacting to his vow, Otti said, “I want to state that we have already set up a committee to look into the issue of minimum wage while we still expect some more clarifications from the central government.
“My team, together with the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress are already engaging in the process so that we can work out a solution that’s practicable and that’s also maintained with the meager resources of the state”.
He continued, “We’re not keeping quiet, we have it at the front burner and as we even prepare for review of the budget after the half year and virement, we’re already making provisions for increase in salary on the basis of the new minimum wage.
“The minimum wage announcement was just about the minimum wage of N70,000. What that also means is that every other person’s salary will go up; so it’s not going to be just minimum wage for particular group, but everybody’s salary would be adjusted”.
The Governor declared, “The Federal Government did not release fund to fight hunger, it’s a loan by the World Bank that’s repayable”
“We tried to see how we can handle it but she preferred to resign and we had to let her go”, he opined.
