The Anambra State government has established a committee to address the minimum wage for state civil service workers.

This development was announced by Humphrey Nwafor and Chris Ogbonna, the state chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), respectively, during a joint press briefing at the Government House on Wednesday.

Following a meeting with Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the leadership of organized labor and state officials discussed critical issues including wages, pensions, and other conditions of service. Nwafor stated, “Seven items were raised, including contributory pension and minimum wage. We are pleased to inform you that all issues were amicably settled.”

Governor Soludo has suspended the contributory pension for state and local government workers and formed a committee to investigate unremitted deductions, with a report due in eight weeks. Regarding the minimum wage, Nwafor noted that Anambra has been compliant based on take-home salary, not basic salary.

The governor has also formed a committee to harmonize wage issues, involving representatives from the NLC, TUC, local government workers, and key state officials. This committee aims to increase workers’ pay and resolve long-standing wage disputes. Additionally, Governor Soludo approved land for the construction of Labour House.

Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Secretary to the State Government and chairman of the committee, assured that the administration is supportive of workers and committed to a seamless implementation of the new minimum wage once announced. The committee’s wage award report is expected in three months, followed by a formal announcement on wage increases.