Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has approved a minimum wage of N70,000 for workers, effective from the end of October.

This announcement was made during a press briefing by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, following a State Executive Council meeting chaired by the Governor. Kanu emphasized that this decision reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of workers in the state.

“The state government is dedicated to the new minimum wage, and payments will begin shortly,” Kanu stated.

He noted that while the national minimum wage serves as a guideline, the state is willing to make adjustments as necessary. “If the governor decides to exceed the national standard, that will be implemented,” Kanu added.

Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Sunny Onwuma, confirmed the plan to roll out the N70,000 minimum wage for Abia workers.

Additionally, Kanu announced the approval of nine new road projects across the state’s three senatorial zones. He highlighted the success of the “Clean Up Abia Initiative,” led by the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), which has been effective in maintaining cleanliness in Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia.

Kanu mentioned that ASEPA has placed over 100 waste receptacles across the state from July to September and has expanded its cleanup efforts to the Lokpanta abattoir in Umunneochi LGA, as well as to abattoirs in Uzuakoli and Arochukwu.

He also revealed that the United Nations Habitat has invited the Greater Aba Development Authority and ASEPA to a conference in Egypt to showcase Abia’s achievements in environmental management.

In related news, Intel Region has reported that Lagos and other states have also approved minimum wages above N70,000, with similar commitments to commence payments at the end of October.