The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as the selective implementation of the new minimum wage at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu. Ajaero, who spoke during a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti at the Government House in Umuahia on Wednesday, accused the university management of denying a section of its workforce their rightful wage adjustments despite state-wide directives on the implementation of the new wage structure.
According to the labour leader, while employees on grade levels 1 to 6, both teaching and non-teaching staff had begun receiving the new minimum wage as approved by the Abia State Government, those on levels 7 to 15, especially non-teaching staff, had been inexplicably excluded. He emphasized that this partial application of the wage policy runs contrary to the principles of fairness and equity that should guide salary administration in public institutions.
Ajaero stated: “Permit me to draw your attention to an ongoing issue at Abia State University, Uturu. The implementation of the new minimum wage of 2024, which your administration graciously approved for Abia workers, has not been extended to certain categories of staff in the university. Non-teaching staff on levels 7 to 15 have been completely sidelined, whereas their colleagues on levels 1 to 6, including both teaching and non-teaching staff, have been paid accordingly. This selective implementation has created tension and a feeling of injustice among university workers.”
The NLC president explained that his visit to the Abia State Government House was driven by issues that touch on conscience and moral responsibility, rather than mere administrative procedure. He noted that the Congress had previously written to several governors across the federation concerning workers’ welfare and other pressing labour-related matters, but that Governor Otti stood out as one of the few who personally responded to their correspondence and invited them for direct dialogue.
“Basically, our visit here is born out of conscience and duty,” Ajaero said. “We had written to governors across the country to address some long-standing issues affecting workers. Governor Otti happened to be one of the few who responded promptly and extended a hand of dialogue. This visit, in fact, marks the first official engagement we have had with any government house in the entire Southeast region since we commenced this round of discussions.”
Ajaero reiterated that the NLC’s interventions and criticisms are not borne out of hostility toward government, but rather a genuine desire to help improve governance and ensure better living conditions for Nigerian workers. According to him, the Congress believes that constructive criticism, when done sincerely, serves as a catalyst for better governance.
He elaborated: “Our role is not to antagonize any government but to help it do better. When we raise issues, whether it concerns the minimum wage, conditions in the health sector, transportation services, the payment of check-off dues, or teachers’ salary structures, it is because we want to see things work better. These are not just union matters; they are matters that affect productivity and social stability.”
Ajaero also raised concerns over the non-remittance of check-off dues in some institutions and sectors despite reports that arrears had been cleared. “Even in areas where arrears have been paid,” he said, “the check-off dues that are meant for the unions are still withheld. We are asking: what exactly is happening to those funds? Where is the money going? These are legitimate questions we expect transparent answers to.”
He added that the Congress considered it necessary to have a first-hand discussion with Governor Otti to resolve such issues amicably rather than rely on hearsay or third-party reports.
The NLC president, while acknowledging improvements in governance and infrastructure under the Otti administration, urged that such progress must also translate into tangible benefits for workers. “There is no doubt that things have improved in Abia State,” he said. “We have seen the difference, but that difference must be felt by the workers too. When workers are motivated and well-treated, productivity increases, and the state becomes even better.”
Ajaero also used the opportunity to highlight the importance of continuous labour education and capacity building. He noted that fewer Abia workers had been attending the NLC’s annual training programs, which are designed to enhance negotiation skills and promote industrial harmony. “Our NLC schools, which hold twice a year, are crucial for training workers on negotiation and industrial peace,” he remarked. “However, in recent times, we have observed a decline in participation from Abia State. This trend should be reversed, especially now that the state is making remarkable progress under this administration.”
Responding to the NLC delegation, Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his government’s commitment to promoting workers’ welfare and ensuring harmonious labour relations in the state. He expressed appreciation for the NLC’s constructive approach and assured that his administration remained open to dialogue with all stakeholders.
“For us, our relationship with labour has been cordial and productive,” Otti said. “We are all working toward the same goal, the welfare of the people. And when we talk about the people, we are essentially referring to the workers, because they are the ones who drive government policies and service delivery.”
Governor Otti disclosed that his administration had recently embarked on a massive recruitment drive to revitalize critical sectors, particularly education and healthcare. “Just last month, precisely on the 22nd, we concluded the recruitment of 5,394 new teachers who have since been deployed to our schools across the state,” he revealed. “Interestingly, the minimum wage for teachers is higher than the general minimum wage, reflecting our commitment to education.”
He further announced that the state government was in the process of employing 771 new medical professionals who would be deployed to various health facilities to strengthen the state’s healthcare system. Otti also highlighted ongoing efforts to clear longstanding financial obligations inherited from past administrations, including payment of pension arrears and death benefits owed to the families of deceased civil servants.
“We have started paying death benefits that have been outstanding for about 16 years,” Otti said. “We are also systematically addressing the backlog of pension arrears. This government is determined to restore dignity and fairness to public service.”
The meeting ended on a positive note, with both the NLC and the Abia State Government pledging to work together to ensure full implementation of the new minimum wage and sustain industrial peace across the state’s institutions.