The Akwa Ibom State Government is set to begin the implementation of the new ₦80,000 minimum wage for verified workers starting with January 2025 salaries, including arrears from November 2024. Governor Umo Eno made this announcement during the 2025 Thanksgiving Service of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) held in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
Governor Eno praised the Akwa Ibom NUJ for their professionalism and patriotism in supporting the state’s ARISE Agenda and urged critics to focus on promoting the state rather than undermining its progress. He commended the leadership of the NUJ State Council Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, and pledged to complete the Union Secretariat during Etuk’s tenure.
The governor also announced the donation of an SUV for the NUJ chairman and saloon cars for the eleven members of the State Working Committee.
Addressing concerns about the new minimum wage, Governor Eno emphasized the importance of worker verification. He noted that salaries and arrears for verified workers would be paid promptly and discouraged misleading narratives about the process.
“The ₦80,000 minimum wage will be paid starting January, covering arrears from November for verified employees,” the governor stated. “If you haven’t been verified, you won’t be paid, no matter the threats of industrial action. Our commitment is clear, and I stand by my words.”
Governor Eno also highlighted his administration’s efforts to clear the ₦97 billion backlog of gratuities and entitlements for state workers, reaffirming his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the Akwa Ibom workforce.
He described the frequent threats of industrial action by some labor leaders as unnecessary, stating, “I am yet to see another state government in Nigeria that treats its workers better than we do.”
In his Thanksgiving speech, NUJ State Council Chairman Comrade Amos Etuk expressed gratitude to Governor Eno for his support of journalists and reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to collaborating with the government to achieve the objectives of the ARISE Agenda.
The Thanksgiving Service was hosted in honor of Governor Eno and served as a platform to strengthen the partnership between the state government and the media in fostering development in Akwa Ibom.
