The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced the implementation of a new minimum wage of N80,000 for verified workers, starting with January 2025 salaries, alongside arrears backdated to November 2024.
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Governor Umo Eno made the disclosure during the 2025 Thanksgiving Service of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area. He emphasized the commitment of his administration to workers’ welfare, stating that only verified civil servants would benefit from the new wage structure.
“Once the verification report is presented to me, verified workers will receive their new wage with arrears from November 2024. Those unverified will not be paid, regardless of threats of strike action,” the governor stated.
Governor Eno also reaffirmed his administration’s pledge to clear the N97 billion backlog of gratuities and arrears, reiterating that the welfare of workers remains a top priority.
NUJ Collaboration
The governor lauded the NUJ for supporting his administration’s ARISE Agenda through professional and patriotic reporting. He praised the leadership of NUJ State Council Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, and assured the completion of the Union Secretariat during Etuk’s tenure.
As part of the event, the state government donated an SUV to the NUJ chairman and saloon cars to 11 members of the State Working Committee.
Commitment to Workers
Governor Eno described his administration’s commitment to workers as unparalleled, urging labor leaders to focus on collaboration rather than threats of industrial action. “I stand to be challenged on the treatment of workers in Akwa Ibom compared to other states,” he declared.
NUJ Chairman’s Remarks
Comrade Amos Etuk expressed gratitude to the governor for his media-friendly approach, pledging continued collaboration to promote the ARISE Agenda. Hosting the Thanksgiving Service in Ikot Ekpene Udo, he added, was a gesture of appreciation for the governor’s support of journalists in the state.
With this development, the Akwa Ibom State Government aims to solidify its position as a worker-friendly administration while addressing pressing labor issues.
