From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia Government has frowned at a publication in one of the national dailies where Abia was described as one of the states that defaulted in the implementation of the new minimum wage.
In a statement, Commissioner for Information, John Okiyi-Kalu, said it was unfortunate that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Deputy General Secretary, Bello Ismail, could corroborate such report when the least worker in the state is earning above the N30,000.
The statement said Abia State was the first in the South East region to commence payment of the new minimum wage to workers.
“We are at a lost as to how the national leadership of NLC is not aware of this fact which is verifiable and available within the media space, including previous publications and Abia civil servants who are their members.
“Abia government, led by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, commenced implementation of the new minimum wage in January 2020 with the least paid worker in the state workforce earning above the minimum wage of N30,000.
“The least expected from the national leadership of NLC before relying, compiling and publishing from the cited document on the status of the state with regard to the payment of the new minimum wage, was to have called or cross checked with the local chapter of NLC or any state worker to verify the status.”
The government called on the national leadership of NLC and the newspaper in question to immediately verify and correct the misrepresentation of facts and apologise to the government and people of Abia State for the incorrect publication.