Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, says his government has not received any money from the Federal Government to implement N35,000 wage award for workers in the state.
The governor, however, promised to look into the wage award demands of Abia workers, reiterating his administration’s commitment to enhancing welfare of members of the state workforce.
Otti stated this during a meeting with the leadership of the organized labour in the state during the weekend.
He disclosed that his government will create the Ministry of Labour and Productivity as he is poised to make minimum changes to the structure of government.
According to him, the new Ministry will have its commissioner from the labour fold.
Otti reassured that his administration would continue to honour its promise to pay salaries to Abia workers on the 28th day of every month, noting that his administration has not defaulted on the commitment.
“We promised earlier in the year to raise the take-home pay of our hard working civil servants in the light of the present economic realities.
“Our proposal had been delayed by the difficulty in reaching an agreement on the new minimum wage between the organised labour unions and the Federal Government.
“We are, however, conscious of our promise and as soon as a headway is made, Abia will be amongst the first to pay whatever becomes the new national minimum wage. The patience, understanding and sacrifices of the workers are very much appreciated, and shall never be taken for granted,” he said.
I did not receive any money for payment of wage award to Abia workers – Otti