Public servants in Akwa Ibom State have jointly appealed to Governor Umo Eno to begin implementation the N80,000 new Minimum Wage from September 2024.
Governor Eno announced N80,000 new minimum wage from the initial N30000 for all state government employees and constituted the Implementation Committee one week ago, giving the 17-member committee one month to deliver its report on how the wage increase will be executed.
This came when a handful of civil servants at the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo over the weekend, jubilated over the news meant to mitigate the pang of the harsh nation’s economy, describing Governor Eno as a determined and focused leader with commitment for sustainable livelihood and workers’ welfare, in particular.
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The workers, who recalled the painful eclipse Akwa Ibom First Lady, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno, called on the Implementation Committee to commence the new minimum wage in Akwa Ibom from September ’24 (aside Federal Govt’s July 2024 take-off month) as memoriam, in remembrance of the late Akwa Ibom State Mother’s humanitarian services through her pet Project – Golden Initiative for All (GIA).
The workers, who condoled with Governor Umo Eno on the death of his dear wife, maintained that September ’24 date of implementation of the new minimum wage will be quite thoughtful, fulfilling and historic to engrave the First Lady’s name and her legacies in the hearts of Akwa Ibom workers.
The jubilant workers, who spoke on behalf of other workers in the state, chanted Governor Umo Eno’s footprints that have brought immense joy and relief to workers in the state to including 150 Housing Units for public servants on Grade Levels 01 to 08 through a transparent raffle draw, timely release of N35 billion so far for payment of gratuities to pensioners/prompt payment of pension and appointment of more Permanent Secretaries in the state.
They equally expressed their indebtedness to the Governor for the prompt release of promotion to civil servants, registration of Junior Staff into Health Insurance Scheme, the release of N20,000 to civil servants during Public Civil Service Week.
The workers expressed optimism that, the special request will be accorded due consideration, since the leadership disposition of Governor Umo Eno over these months, has given top priority to the welfare of the people.
For example, Emmanuel Akpan of Ministry of Trade and Investment acknowledged Governor’s passion for workers’ welfare as demonstrated in the increased minimum wage of N80,000 for them to survive the present economic hardship.
Akpan pleaded for early commencement like other states in the country to cope with their much-expected needs.
Also, Mr Mfon Ekpo of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKI CORP) lauded Pastor Umo Eno for his magnanimity and concern for workers to meet with their day to day financial challenges, praying for God’s blessings upon him and his family but deeply lamented lateness in its commencement.
Ekpo pleaded with the Governor to back date its commencement date to accommodate those workers who were still in service (but retired) as they were still working and contributing to service delivery when the process/struggle for the minimum wage began in early 2024.
Mr Joseph Essiet of Ministry of Lands, on his part, thanked the Akwa Ibom State Governor for being very thoughtful and passionate to raise the new wage to N80,000.
He admired the workers’ friendly disposition of the State and expressed optimism that immediate commencement like his counterparts, will help to cushion sporadic transportation cost, health and domestic needs of workers as well as place his leadership above equal.
Reported by Tony Mkpong
