Workers in Akwa Ibom State are celebrating as Governor Umo Eno fulfills his promise to implement a new minimum wage of ₦80,000—₦10,000 higher than the national standard.
The Governor had assured workers last month that once the verification committee submitted its report, the new wage would take effect. However, many were surprised when the government also paid the arrears from November and December in full rather than staggering the payments.
A permanent secretary, Akparawa James Edet, described the workers’ excitement: “Over twenty staff in my ministry ran into my office in disbelief when they saw the amount credited to their accounts. They expected the arrears to be spread across months, but Governor Eno paid everything at once. We deeply appreciate this gesture.”
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare. He highlighted that 32 workers recently received ₦1 million each, while one was gifted a car, as part of incentives to encourage dedication.
Udoh emphasized that these actions align with the Governor’s ARISE Agenda, aimed at fostering a motivated and productive workforce.
