…… Wage Award to be paid in three months, starting from July.

In a significant move towards resolving key labour issues in Abia State, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Abia State Government and the Organised Labour Unions. The MoU addresses a range of concerns, including the payment of the minimum wage, wage awards, command promotions, and other pertinent matters affecting Abia workers.

Key Agreements:

1. Minimum Wage:
– The State Accountant General will collaborate with Organised Labour to reconcile records. The Government claims the N30,000 national minimum wage is being paid, while Labour disputes this, asserting the State pays N20,100. This reconciliation is to be completed within seven days.

2. **Command Promotion:
– The Government explained that past command promotions, influenced by political actions, caused distortions. Moving forward, all promotions will adhere to Civil Service guidelines to restore order. The Government also committed to swiftly addressing the backlog of promotions.

3. **Payment of Outstanding Salary Arrears:**
– Arrears totaling N16.5 billion from the previous administration were highlighted. The Government will seek legislative approval to gradually pay these arrears.

4. **Severance Allowances:**
– Retired Permanent Secretaries and Directors will receive their severance allowances, with directives issued to the Accountant General.

5. **Verification Activities:**
– Efforts to address staff verification issues and complaints will involve ongoing engagement between the Organised Labour and relevant departments.

6. **Leave Allowance:**
– The Accountant General and department heads are instructed to ensure timely payment of leave allowances to staff.

### Additional Points:

7. **Wage Award:**
– A monthly N15,000 wage award will be paid for three months starting from the end of July 2024.

8. **Gratuity:**
– No resolution was reached on gratuity payments.

9. **Regular Engagements:**
– The Government will regularly interface with Organised Labour to discuss workers’ welfare and other issues.

10. **Inclusion in Committees:**
– Organised Labour will have representation in all committees related to workers’ welfare.

11. **Addressing Strike Proposals:**
– The leadership of Organised Labour will discuss with various State Executive Councils the possibility of relaxing proposed strike actions.

### Signatories:

– **Government Representatives:**
– Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD, Chief of Staff to the Governor
– Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Queen Obioma, PhD, Head of Service, Abia State
– Sir Godson Anucha, Senior Special Assistant, Labour Relations

– **Organised Labour Representatives:**
– Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya, Chairman, NLC Abia State Council
– Comrade Emmanuel Alozie, JP, State Secretary, NLC Abia State Council
– Comrade Sir Ikechi Engowe, Chairman, TUC Abia State
– Comrade George O. S. Okogbue, Secretary, TUC Abia State

This MoU marks a collaborative effort to address critical labour issues in Abia State, aiming to enhance the welfare and working conditions of its workforce.