Governor Umo Eno has announced that Akwa Ibom State civil servants will not receive the newly approved N80,000 minimum wage until the verification of staff is completed. The wage hike, which is N10,000 higher than the national minimum wage, was approved weeks ago and aligns with similar moves by Lagos and Rivers States.
Lagos and Rivers set their minimum wage at N85,000, with Rivers beginning payments in November. Enugu and Adamawa states have also approved new wage structures, with Enugu starting in October and Adamawa in August.
Governor Eno explained the delay, noting that many civil servants have relocated within Nigeria or abroad. “We must verify that those receiving payments are legitimate civil servants,” he said at a church service in Uyo.
The governor emphasized transparency and honesty in governance, assuring that the verification process will be completed soon. A committee, including Labour leaders, was set up to handle consequential adjustments, with a report due in November.
Governor Eno also addressed concerns from labour unions, urging those questioning the delay to reconsider their stance and maintain the positive relationship between the state government and workers. He did not specify when arrears would be paid but mentioned the possibility of a 13th-month salary in the coming month.
Since taking office, the governor highlighted the state’s focus on workers’ welfare, noting that N35 billion has already been paid in gratuities to retirees and local government workers.
