The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has criticised Abia State University, Uturu, for what he described as the selective implementation of the 2024 minimum wage.
Ajaero said the institution applied the new wage only to staff on levels one to six, excluding non-teaching staff on levels seven to fifteen. He made the comments during a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti in Umuahia on Wednesday.
He urged the state government to address the issue, saying the labour movement’s engagement was not confrontational but aimed at improving workers’ welfare. “Our criticism is to enable any government concerned to do more,” he said, noting concerns over unpaid check-off dues and irregular implementation of workers’ benefits.
Governor Otti, in response, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to labour-friendly policies. He said the state had recruited 5,394 teachers and was hiring 771 medical professionals to strengthen the education and health sectors.
Otti added that his government had begun paying 16 years of outstanding death benefits and pension arrears to restore confidence in the civil service.
The meeting reflected continuing efforts to ensure fair wage implementation and stronger labour relations in Abia State.
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