The organised labour and the Akwa Ibom State Government are set for a showdown over the implementation of the new minimum wage as both parties are on a collision course.
Governor Umo Eno had pledged to begin the payment of the new minimum wage of N85,000 with effect from November last year but on condition that a verification exercise to determine the exact number of civil service servants be carried out, adding that the payment would commence immediately thereafter
However, organised labour has accused the state government of developing cold feet, saying that with the completion of the staff audit, it has yet to commit to the new minimum wage.
In a statement in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, and signed by union leaders including the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and National Union of Local Government Employees, they said they would not be held responsible for the consequences of government failure to implement the agreement it reached with labour leaders in the state.
According to organised labour, the state government’s hesitation to act swiftly can only lead to discontent among the workers, “who have already relied heavily on the December 3, 2024, agreement as an essential step towards improving their livelihood through the new minimum wage payment.”
It stated that the “delay in the implementation of the new minimum wage will not just amount to a breach of promise but will be another blatant disregard for the wellbeing of the workers by the state government.”
Maintaining that unless “sincere action is taken to initiate the payment of the new minimum wage as agreed for January 2025 payroll, the organised labour will be left with no option than to take decisive measures that may lead to a complete shutdown of the entire state workforce,’’ it stated.
The statement was signed by Comrade Sunny James, chairman of the NLC; Comrade Dominic Abang, chairman of the Trade Union Congress; Comrade Anaestina Iweh for NULGE; and Comrade Etido Udoh, chairman of the joint public service negotiating committee.
There was no response from the state government at the time of filing this report.