Rita Odafe
Francis Nwifuru, the Governor of Ebonyi State, has given the green light for the implementation of a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 for civil servants in the state.
Addressing the press at the New Government House in Abakaliki, Governor Nwifuru clarified that this new minimum wage does not equate to a salary raise.
He explained that the ₦70,000 represents the lowest amount any employee will earn, rather than a blanket increase for all workers.
Furthermore, he directed the State Head of Service to outline the necessary procedures for distributing the new minimum wage.
According to the Governor, “There is a distinction between minimum wage and salary increment. The minimum wage does not signify a salary increment. ₦70,000 will not be added to every worker’s salary; that is not how minimum wage works. The new minimum wage ensures that a worker receives the minimum salary.”
He continued, “The new minimum wage applies to everyone, and Ebonyi State government will implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage once the Head of Service and civil servants agree on the process and present it to me.”
Nwifuru also reaffirmed his dedication to upholding the Supreme Court ruling on Financial autonomy for Local government councils.
He stated, “Ebonyi State will comply with the Supreme Court verdict on Local government financial autonomy. As the Governor, I have never interfered with Local government funds. We conducted Local government elections, and we will follow the Supreme Court’s decision by allowing the councils to manage their finances and carry out their projects.”
