Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has lauded workers in the state for their dedication and for aligning with the renewed work ethic championed by his administration. Speaking at the 2024 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Umuahia Township Stadium, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue prioritizing the welfare of workers across the state.
In an address themed “Partnership for Transformation,” Otti praised the shift in workplace culture among civil servants, commending them for moving away from a rigid time-bound approach to one that emphasizes productivity and results. “In the New Abia, we do not close for the day simply because it is 5 pm. We leave the office when the job is done,” he said.
He stressed that under his leadership, the state government has remained faithful to its promise of prompt and regular payment of salaries and pensions. “We pledged that Abia would be among the first to implement the new minimum wage—and we have fulfilled that. Not only are we paying the N70,000 minimum wage, but we are doing so consistently,” he stated.
Highlighting other efforts, Otti noted that health workers in the state now enjoy improved pay comparable to their federal counterparts following a new wage structure approved during the week. He added that significant improvements had been made to workers' offices, including the Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat and the Workers’ Secretariat in Umuahia, where facilities have been upgraded to ensure comfort and productivity.
“From restored power and water supply to the rollout of high-speed internet, we are transforming the work environment to reflect modern standards,” he said. He also pointed to new buildings and office spaces, including a modern complex for the Civil Service Commission and a completed JAAC Building now housing multiple government agencies.
The governor disclosed that over N30 billion has been committed so far toward clearing salary and pension arrears, and negotiations are ongoing to reinstate some civil servants unjustly dismissed by previous administrations.
In addition, he announced that 20,000 workers had already been enrolled under the state’s new formal sector health insurance scheme, which prioritizes civil servants and their families.
Otti assured the labour unions that their requests—including those on pensions, taxes, and infrastructural needs—would receive due attention. “We see you as partners in our mission to transform Abia, and we are grateful for your unwavering support,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abia State, Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya, praised the governor’s strides in labour relations. Speaking on behalf of both the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC), he said the theme for the year, “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” reflects the current realities workers face across the country.
Comrade Ogbonnaya expressed appreciation for the state’s commitment to implementing the new minimum wage but also called on the government to address pressing issues such as the contributory pension scheme, high taxation of workers, and the lack of a dedicated Labour House in the state.
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