Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has pledged that double salary with the approved new minimum wage will be paid to public workers after the completion of the verification exercise in December.
Governor Eno said the 13th-month salary aims to bring a more joyful Yuletide to civil servants in the state.
This announcement was made during a church service held at the Eternity Mission International Church in Uyo on Sunday.
According to Ekerete Udoh, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, he revealed that the payment started last year and is widely known as “Eno-Mber” among the state’s civil servants.
Udoh in the document said, “The announcement of the planned payment again this year is expected to be massively received by the workers.”
The state governor added that the payment will be rolled into the N80,000 minimum wage as approved.
While explaining the reason for the undergoing rigorous verification, he said, “I am aware that quite a number of our civil servants have relocated within Nigeria while others have gone abroad. We have to be sure that those receiving payments are real civil servants.”
“My watchword since assuming office has been transparency and honesty in service deliverables, and we have to ensure that we carry this through this verification exercise, which will soon be completed.”
He warned government enemies to desist from the act of spoiling the relationship between the state government and the organized labour to have a rethink.
He acknowledged state government efforts in paying off debt, noting that N35 billion was paid in gratuities to retired pensioners, local government workers, and primary school teachers in the state.
Additionally, the sum of N1.1 billion was paid as a bonus to public servants.
Speaking further on the government enemies, he highlighted that he ensured the prompt payment of wage award for three months to cushion the effect of economic hardship occasioned by fuel subsidy removal.
Highlighting further, he mentioned that in September, via raffle draw, about 150 homes located at the Grace Estate were given to civil servants from grade levels 1-8 free of charge.
Among other government efforts in ensuring the welfare of civil servants is met, he has approved the conduction of all service examinations in preparation for 2024 promotions, and the release of 2023 promotions and pensioners earnings who have retired before 2021 has been increased.
Other government dedication towards the welfare of its workers, also, he approved the release of an outstanding 7.5% contributory pension to contributors, including the appointment of 22 new permanent secretaries.
Udoh stated, “The governor has enjoyed a robust labor-government relationship, and he remains dedicated to deepening and expanding the relationship and hopes for reciprocity on the part of organs within the organized labour.”
