Governor Peter Mbah has inaugurated a Committee to implement the New National Minimum Wage for civil and public servants in Enugu State, giving it a maximum of one month to submit its report.
The Committee was inaugurated on Thursday at the Government House in Enugu. It is chaired by the Head of Service, Kenneth Ugwu, with Sandra George, a representative from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, serving as Secretary. Dr. Nathaniel Uramah, the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, is also a member.
Additional members include Pharm Chika Ugwuoke, the Commissioner for Labour and Employment, and Mr. Anthony Okenwa, the Accountant-General of the state.
On the Labour side, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Enugu State chapter, and Comrade Benedict Asogwa, Chairman of the state chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), are included. Other members consist of Comrade Ezekiel Omeh, Chairman of the Public Service Joint Negotiating Council, and Comrade Udaya Ani, Chairman of the state chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees.
During the inauguration, Governor Mbah reiterated his commitment to workers’ welfare and encouraged the Committee to consult widely with relevant stakeholders, particularly Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, to ensure that workers are invested in the eventual report.
“We have set very ambitious targets for ourselves, and we understand that achieving these goals relies heavily on human resources. No matter how great our visions and dreams may be, they cannot be realized without a motivated workforce.
“From the beginning, we recognized this, which is why, before discussions on the new minimum wage began, we introduced wage awards and committed to a transition to the new minimum wage.
“The establishment of this Committee is crucial, and we have carefully selected its members. We believe in your capacity to carry out this task commendably,” he stated.
The governor further explained, “As part of your terms of reference, you should produce a comprehensive review of the salary structure for all categories and levels of workers at both state and local government levels, using the existing state salary structure as a guide.
“Finally, we expect a detailed report within one month. We want to implement the new national minimum wage as quickly as possible.”
In response, the Committee Chairman and Head of Service, Kenneth Ugwu, assured the governor that the committee would exceed expectations in both timing and quality of work.
“We are aware of your commitment to the welfare and motivation of the hardworking individuals in Enugu State. Our recommendations will align with your vision for a highly motivated and productive public service.
“We will not only meet your expectations but will surpass them. We have one month to complete our work, but I assure you that we will deliver our recommendations in record time,” he stated.
Speaking to a Government House correspondent, TUC Chairman Comrade Asogwa noted that Governor Mbah’s prompt action did not surprise Enugu workers, as he had been providing wage awards since 2023.
“The governor also promised health professionals that the 100 percent Consolidated Health Workers Salary Structure (CONHESS) would be paid starting in August.
“Today, health professionals in the state are pleased as they have started receiving the new salary alerts as promised.
“Thus, the establishment of this Committee was not unexpected; we know the kind of leader we have. He is serious about his responsibilities. The governor understands what it means to engage in a social contract with the people.
“We have confidence in him and are optimistic that our financial situation as workers in Enugu State will soon improve,” he said.
