‘Do Not Be Deceived’ – Gov Eno Speaks On Commencement Of ₦80,000 New Minimum Wage, Arrears Payment

Governor Umo Eno has warned Akwa Ibom State employees not to be deceived by individuals who may claim they will persuade him (the governor) to pay them the new minimum wage and arrears.

Governor Eno said his administration is poised to implement the new minimum wage of ₦80,000 for verified employees starting with the January 2025 salary payments, with arrears dating back to November 2024.

He, however, noted that only verified employees would be paid the new minimum wage and arrears.

Naija News reports that Eno announced this during the 2025 Thanksgiving Service of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) held in Ikot Ekpene Udo, located in the Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.

The governor appreciated the Akwa Ibom NUJ for their collaborative efforts with his administration in advancing the ARISE Agenda, highlighting their commitment to professionalism and patriotism in their reporting.

He urged individuals engaged in undermining the state’s reputation to cease such actions in order to foster improved collaboration for the state’s development.

Governor Eno praised the exemplary leadership of Comrade Amos Etuk, the current State Council Chairman of the Union, and assured that the state government would honour its commitment to completing the Union Secretariat during his tenure.

Additionally, Etuk announced the provision of an SUV as an official vehicle for the chairman, along with a saloon car for each of the eleven members of the State Working Committee of the Union.

“About the issues of my workers, we knew certainly that we would pay workers N80,000 as we promised, but we only said that we should do verification. I have heard that the report has been submitted and will be presented to me tomorrow by the Head of Service.

“Once that report is presented, for those that were verified, we will pay from 1st November, this January. It does not need any letter from anybody. Don’t let anybody deceive you that they are the ones to persuade me to do you. If you haven’t been verified into the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service, I will not pay you, irrespective of threats of strike action. For those that have been verified, this January, I’ll pay you from 1st November. That has been our commitment and I don’t go back on the things I say,” the governor stated.

Reflecting on his administration’s initiatives aimed at addressing the N97 billion backlog of gratuities and other outstanding entitlements owed to state workers, along with various gestures of goodwill towards civil servants, Governor Eno reaffirmed his dedication to prioritizing the welfare of the Akwa Ibom workforce.

This commitment aligns with his promise to acknowledge and reciprocate the support he received during his campaign for the governorship.

He said: “Akwa Ibom workers, we are on course. We have a pact with you because you supported us. We will work with you and ensure that your welfare is paramount and continues to be paramount because we know that you’re our backbone. Don’t let anyone mislead you

“I am yet to see a State Government in Nigeria that treats the workers the way I have done, i stand to be challenged.”

The Governor described as misleading and the pursuit of unnecessary self-aggrandizement the incessant threats of industrial action by labour leaders in the State.

The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Amos Etuk, conveyed his heartfelt appreciation during his thanksgiving address at the event.

He expressed gratitude on behalf of the Union’s members and leadership for the divine grace that has enabled them to uphold the integrity of the Fourth Estate, despite numerous challenges.

He also acknowledged Governor Umo for fostering a media-friendly environment that facilitates the work of journalists.

Comrade Amos Etuk emphasized that the decision to host the 2025 Thanksgiving Service in Ikot Ekpene Udo was a gesture of respect towards the governor.

He assured that journalists in the state are committed to maintaining a collaborative relationship with the Umo Eno-led administration and will actively support the objectives of the ARISE Agenda.