Gov Otti Denies Receiving Wage Award From Federal Government

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has clarified that his state did not receive the wage award of ₦35,000 announced by the federal government for workers.

Governor Alex Otti disclosed on Friday, in a meeting with the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council, in his country home Nvosi, in  Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

Labour had issued an indefinite strike notice, slated to commence on July 15, to Abia State government on issues of non-compliance with ₦30,000 minimum wage and non-payment of the wage award from the federal government to the state workers.

Governor Otti said no dime was received by his administration from the state government. “There have been misleading stories all over the place that the Federal government gave monies to the state governments for the implementation of the wage award.

“Last time I checked, there were no such monies. This state has not received a dime from the Federal government to implement any wage award.”

On the ₦30,000 minimum wage non-payment, Abia State governor said the payroll he had showed no worker in the state earned less than ₦30,000.

“I see the payroll and I didn’t see anyone that is paid less than ₦30,000 and that is the minimum wage.

“Maybe something is wrong and I’ will like the Accountant-General to please look into that because what is available to me shows we are complying with the minimum wage of ₦30,000 and that the least paid worker is actually paid ₦30,000.

“When I read in the media that we are not complying, I took it as a hatchet man’s job but you repeating it here means something is wrong somewhere.

“I’ll like that a reconciliation happens between the Organized Labor and the Office of the Accountant General,” he said.

On the stand of his government on the new minimum wage demanded by organized labour, Otti said his administration was committed to an increase in minimum wage.

He said with current economic realities, there was need for increased minimum wage. He, however, said his administration would continue to wait on the federal government before taking action or making any announcement.

“We don’t want to move ahead of the Federal Government, so that’s why I’m showing keen interest in discussions between the Federal Government and the organized labour at the center,” Daily Trust quoted.

Governor Otti also announced that he will create Ministry of Labour and Productivity to serve as an avenue for good relationship between the government and organized labour. He said he is committed to cordial relationship with labour unions.