The Abia State Government has officially announced a new minimum wage structure.

After extensive negotiations, an agreement was signed between state representatives and key labour unions, setting a new standard in compensation for public sector employees.

With this revision, workers on Grade Level (GL) 1, Step 15 will now receive a monthly salary of N80,463.

This development was finalized in a signing ceremony on Tuesday night at the Government House.

Governor Alex Otti who was represented by Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba, expressed his administration’s dedication to enhancing the welfare of workers.

Under this agreement, employees at GL 1, Step 1 will start at a minimum wage of N70,000, with various adjustments set for higher levels, marking the most significant pay scale revision in years.

According to the wage structure detailed in the document, workers will receive the following:

• GL 1, Step 1: N70,000
• GL 1, Step 2: N70,700
• GL 1, Step 15: N80,463
• GL 10, Step 1: N99,707
• GL 10, Step 15: N101,722
• GL 17, Step 1: N254,667
• GL 17, Step 9: N259,805

The new policy also introduces consequential wage adjustments, with increases tailored to specific grade levels: GL 1-3 will see a 5% raise, GL 4-6 a 4% raise, GL 7-10 a 3% raise, GL 12-14 a 2% raise, and GL 15-17 a 1% raise.

These adjustments were designed to improve fair compensation across various levels of the state’s civil service.

Governor Otti shared his commitment to maintaining regular salary payments by the 28th of each month, believing that a stable wage system will raise morale and productivity within the public sector.

He also commended labour union leaders for their patience and collaboration, explaining that this wage increase is sustainable and realistic, given Abia’s current financial capacity and challenges inherited from past administrations.

Labour leaders, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya, voiced their support for the agreement, highlighting that it would inspire employees to work with renewed dedication.

Head of Service, Dr Ngozi Queen Obioma, praised the decision, assuring the state government that workers would reciprocate the gesture through committed service.

The new wage agreement was signed by representatives from both the Abia State Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as well as the Trade Union Congress (TUC), representing a strong commitment to elevating labour standards and ensuring a productive workforce across Abia.