The Akwa Ibom State Government is poised to implement a new minimum wage of N80,000 for verified employees starting with the January 2025 payroll. Arrears will be applied retroactively from November 2024.
During the 2025 Thanksgiving Service of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) held in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, State Governor Pastor Umo Eno expressed his gratitude to the Akwa Ibom NUJ. He praised the union for its collaboration with his administration in advancing the ARISE Agenda, highlighting their commitment to professionalism and patriotism in their reporting.
He urged those who engage in demarketing the state to refrain from such actions in order to foster greater collaboration for the state’s development. He specifically praised the commendable leadership demonstrated by the current State Council Chairman of the Union, Comrade Amos Etuk. He assured that the state government remains committed to fulfilling its promise of completing the Union Secretariat during Etuk’s tenure as chairman.
Etuk also announced the donation of an SUV to serve as the official vehicle for the chairman, along with a saloon car for each of the eleven members of the State Working Committee of the Union. “Regarding the concerns of my workers, we are committed to providing the promised salary of N80,000. However, we mentioned the need for a verification process first. I have been informed that the report has been submitted and will be presented to me tomorrow by the Head of Service.”
“Once the report is presented, payments will begin on November 1st for those who have been verified, starting this January. No additional letters or requests are necessary. Please do not be misled by anyone claiming they can influence my decision on your behalf. If you have not been verified with the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service, I will not authorize payment, regardless of any threats of strike action. For those who have been verified, rest assured that payments will commence on November 1st. This commitment remains firm, and I stand by my word,” the governor stated.
Reflecting on his administration’s initiatives to eliminate the N97 billion backlog of gratuities and other financial entitlements owed to workers in the state, Governor Eno reiterated his dedication to prioritizing the welfare of the Akwa Ibom workforce. He emphasized that these efforts align with his commitment to honor the support he received from civil servants during his election as governor.
In his remarks, Governor Eno stated, “To the workers of Akwa Ibom, we are steadfast in our commitment to you. We made a promise because of the unwavering support you have shown us. Our focus will remain on your welfare, which is our top priority, as we recognize that you are our foundation. Please do not allow anyone to mislead you. I have yet to witness any state government in Nigeria that treats its employees as I have; I welcome any challenge to this claim.” He characterized the ongoing threats of industrial action by labor leaders in the state as misleading and driven by self-serving motives.
In his thanksgiving address at the event, Comrade Amos Etuk, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Council of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Union’s members and leadership. He thanked God for the extraordinary grace that has allowed them to uphold the principles of the Fourth Estate, even in the face of numerous challenges. Additionally, he extended his appreciation to Governor Umo for fostering a media-friendly environment that facilitates the work of journalists.
Comrade Amos Etuk stated that hosting the 2025 Thanksgiving Service in Ikot Ekpene Udo serves as the Union’s way of honoring the governor. He also assured that journalists in the state will maintain a collaborative working relationship with the Umo Eno administration, while actively supporting the objectives of the ARISE Agenda.
