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The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has stated that his administration will not succumb to any pressure or threat of industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to bypass the process of implementation of the ₦80,000 minimum wage for state civil servants.
Governor Eno declared that the minimum wage will only be paid to workers after a thorough verification exercise.
Naija News reports that Governor Eno stated this in his address at the 17th annual State Christmas Carol Service in Uyo, themed “Peace and Holiness with All Men”.
He assured the state civil servants of a 13th-month salary payment.
Eno, however, clarified that the workers’ bonus would be calculated based on the existing salary structure, pending the completion of the verification process.
“As your governor, we will pay 13 month. We have already calculated it and will pay based on the old salary structure. The new minimum wage will not commence until the verification exercise is completed,” Eno stated.
He stressed that his administration’s commitment to transparency required an accurate count of state civil servants before implementing the new wage structure.
“Nobody will force me to pay without proper verification. Once the NLC, which is part of the verification committee, provides the report, we will start payments immediately,” he said.
The Governor further announced a Christmas gesture for the state’s 2,272 villages, each receiving 20 bags of rice for the festive season.
He urged community leaders to ensure equitable distribution regardless of political affiliations. “Hunger knows no party,” he said.
