Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has postponed the implementation of the new N80,000 minimum wage, citing the need for a thorough verification of civil servants in the state.
Speaking during a church service in Uyo on Sunday, the governor stressed that the process was necessary to ensure that only genuine workers receive the payments.
“I am aware that quite a number of our civil servants have relocated within Nigeria, while others have gone abroad. We have to be sure that those receiving payments are real civil servants,” he explained.
The N80,000 minimum wage, which is N10,000 higher than the federal benchmark, was approved by Governor Eno weeks ago.
This followed similar actions by other states like Lagos and Rivers, where the minimum wage was raised to N85,000.
While Rivers State commenced payments in November, Akwa Ibom workers remain in limbo as the state government insists on completing its verification exercise first.
The delay has left many workers frustrated, especially as other states, such as Enugu and Adamawa, have already begun implementing the new wage.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State started paying the N80,000 minimum wage in October, while Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State began payments in August.
Governor Eno justified the delay by emphasizing his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“My watchword since assuming office has been transparency and honesty in service deliverables,” the governor said.
Ekerete Udoh, the governor’s spokesperson, reiterated that the verification exercise would be completed soon.
This process, he noted, aligns with the administration’s promise to ensure fairness and proper service delivery in Akwa Ibom.
Labour Leaders on Board but Concerns Linger
The governor formed a committee, including labour leaders like Sunny James, the chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, to address consequential adjustments related to the new minimum wage.
The committee is expected to submit its report by the end of November.
However, Governor Eno warned against any agitation or disruption of the relationship between the state government and labour unions.
“We must maintain the smooth and seamless relationship that exists between the government and the Organised Labour,” he said.
Despite these assurances, there are concerns among workers that the verification process may be used as a delay tactic.
The issue of minimum wage has been a contentious topic across Nigeria.
Workers nationwide were expected to begin receiving a new wage structure in May, following the expiration of the previous N30,000 minimum wage in April.
However, disagreements between the federal government and labour unions led to months of negotiations before President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage bill into law in July.
While some states moved quickly to implement the new wage, others have faced challenges ranging from budgetary constraints to administrative delays.
In addition to the minimum wage, Governor Eno announced plans to pay civil servants a 13th-month salary in December.
He also highlighted his administration’s efforts to address workers’ welfare, stating that N35 billion has been paid in gratuities to retired state and local government workers, as well as primary school teachers.
“Since we came in, we have paid critical attention to the needs and the welfare of civil servants in this state,” the governor said.
The delay has sparked mixed reactions among workers in Akwa Ibom.
Some have expressed frustration over the postponement, citing the rising cost of living and the delay in implementing a national policy.
“This delay is unfair. If other states can pay their workers, why can’t Akwa Ibom do the same?” asked a civil servant, who preferred to remain anonymous.
Others have called for patience, urging fellow workers to allow the government to complete its verification process.
“It’s better to get it right than rush and face issues later,” said another worker, adding that the governor’s promise of transparency should be given a chance.
