Workers under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Akwa Ibom State have called for a new minimum wage.

The workers said the N80,000 wage approved by the state government is no longer realistic given the current economic situation.

The state chairman of the NLC, Sunny James, made the demand on Thursday in Uyo during the 2025 Workers? Day celebration, themed ?Reclaiming Civil Space Amid Economic Hardship.?

James noted that although Governor Umo Eno has prioritised workers? welfare?providing health care, housing, a bulk purchase agency, and food support there is still a need for an upward review of the minimum wage as inflation has rendered the current N80,000 ineffective.

He said, ?Your Excellency, if you have given us health, housing, a bulk purchase agency, and even distributed food, what again do we need to ask from you?

?Your Excellency, it is to ask that you increase the minimum wage again. Inflation has affected the minimum wage and we shall be willing to negotiate the new one with you at your earliest convenience, as you invite us.?

James also commended the governor for refunding the 7.5% contributory pension scheme owed to workers, recalling that in 2007, deductions under the scheme were made but later deemed unnecessary by the House of Assembly due to the lack of legislative backing.

Responding, the state governor, Umo Eno, praised the workers for their cooperation with organised labour in the state.

Eno recalled that during the 2023 electioneering campaign, he had promised to prioritise workers? welfare and maintain close collaboration with labour unions.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Akon Eyakenyi, thanked various speakers for affirming the administration?s efforts since taking office.

He said, ?We have excelled and remain committed to doing more within the limits of available resources to address the needs of our workers.

?Thank God, today the NLC chairman is the man who has awarded the score and we have A+, which is 80 and above.?

He urged workers to remain hopeful for better things ahead.

He stated, ?We have, as I promised, paid over N60 billion of the N98 billion backlog we inherited since 2012.

?This is a huge achievement recorded in nearly two years. We raised the minimum wage to N80,000?one of the highest in the nation?and have commenced payment under the new salary scale.

?The 13-month salary, popularly known as ?Eno-ember,? remains in effect.

One hundred and fifty units of two-bedroom flats were donated to workers, as acknowledged by your chairman.?

He also stated that last year, the state released N1 billion as bonuses for workers and approved the recruitment of 100 occupational safety officers, along with the employment of 600 medical personnel. (The PUNCH)

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