The State government of Akwa Ibom has announced its readiness to pay an extra one-month salary to workers in its employ in the month of December, popularly known as Eno-Mber.
It could be recalled that the current administration started the payment of Eno-Mber last December in its commitment to the welfare of workers.
The state governor, Pastor Umo Eno who announced this during a church service at the Eternity Mission International Church on Sunday, advised those constantly agitating for disruption in the smooth and seamless relationship that has existed between the State Government and the Organized Labour to have a rethink.
He said that the payment of the N80,000 minimum wage to all public servants would commence shortly after completion of the ongoing proper verification exercise.
These were contained in a statement signed by Chief Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh and made available to newsmen yesterday in Uyo.
His words, “I am aware that quite a number of our Civil Servants have relocated within Nigeria while others have gone abroad. We have to be sure that those receiving payments are real Civil Servants.
“My watchword since assuming office has been transparency and honesty in service deliverables and we have to ensure that we carry this through this verification exercise, which would soon be completed.
“Since we came in, we have paid critical attention to the needs and the welfare of civil servants in this State. To date, we have paid N35billion in gratuities to retired state, local government workers and primary school teachers in the State”.
According to the statement, the governor during the last Public Service Week, had announced a bonus of N1.1billion naira to all public servants in the State, which was promptly paid.
It disclosed that apart from prompt payment of salary, pension and gratuities as mentioned above, Eno had also released and ensured prompt payment of Wage award for 3months to cushion the effect of high cost of living occasioned by fuel subsidy removal.
“He is also committed to investing in Affordable Housing Scheme for Workers. Last September, 150 homes at the Grace Estate were given to Civil Servants from grade levels 1-8 free of charge through raffle draw.
“He had also given approval for the conduct of all Service Examinations in preparation for 2024 promotions as well as the release of 2023 promotion and an increase of pension to workers who retired before 2012.
“Equally striking in the Governor’s dedication to the welfare of workers, was the approval given for release of outstanding 7.5 per cent contributory pension to contributors as well as the appointment of 22 new Permanent Secretaries”, the statement added.