In a significant pushback against the state government’s recent wage announcement, the organized labour force in Abia State has rejected the proposed implementation of a N70,000 minimum wage. Despite assurances from Governor Alex Otti’s administration to commence payment of the new minimum wage in October, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abia is demanding that the focus be shifted toward “consequential adjustments” for higher salary grades. The labour unions argue that the current plan disproportionately benefits only workers on the lowest rungs of the civil service ladder, leaving mid and senior-level employees inadequately compensated.
Governor Otti’s administration has been vocal about its commitment to fulfilling the wage promise as part of broader reforms to improve workers’ welfare in the state. According to the state’s Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, the payment structure will apply across all worker categories, reflecting the governor’s pledge to ensure a living wage for civil servants. However, the NLC remains adamant that the proposed N70,000 minimum wage is insufficient for workers beyond the lowest grade. NLC Abia Chairman, Okoro Ogbonnaya, emphasized that while the minimum wage for entry-level workers (Grade Level 1, Step 1) cannot be negotiated downward, the government’s current offer fails to adequately address the necessary upward adjustments for other civil servants.
Ogbonnaya further highlighted the need for “consequential adjustments,” noting that the labour unions are keen to finalize a template with the state government that ensures wage increases for workers across all grades, not just those at the bottom.
