The Abia State Government and the organised labour on Friday signed an agreement to resolve discrepancies in the implementation of the new national minimum wage.

In a speech at a brief event held at the Government House, Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti said the agreement was designed to ensure fair salary adjustments for workers.

The agreement was signed to correct wage imbalance that had affected workers on Grade Levels 8 to 17, since October when the new wage structure was introduced.

The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Caleb Ajagba, affirmed the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

He commended the labour leaders for their patience and dedication throughout the negotiation.

Mr Ajagba said “We have remained focused on our vision for a better Abia, now that this agreement has been signed, we expect every Abia worker to reciprocate with dedication and productivity.’’

Also, the Chairman of the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ogbonnaya Okoro, described the signing of the agreement as a welcome development.

Mr Okoro said that the development meant victory for workers and a demonstration of the government’s sincerity.

He state, “Since December 6, 2024, when the governor met with over 115 labour leaders, he had shown a strong commitment to ensuring that Abia workers received what is rightfully theirs.’’

He confirmed that the state Head of Service would soon issue a circular ensuring the proper implementation of the corrected salary structure for all civil servants.

The event was attended by the HoS, Benson Ojiekere, Commissioner for Finance, Uwaoma Ukandu and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.

Others include the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Labour Relations, Godson Anucha, and the Chairman of Trade Union Congress in Abia State, Ihechi Enogwe, among others.

(NAN)