The Abia State Government has announced the introduction of a new minimum wage for civil servants.

This follows an agreement with labour unions.The new arrangement will see workers at Grade Level 1, Step 15 receive N80,463 monthly.

This decision, finalized on Tuesday night after extended talks, was announced at a ceremony at the Government House. Governor Alex Otti, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba

The revised structure scheduled to be implemented by October 2024.

According to the agreement, workers at Grade Level 1, Step 1 will earn N70,000, while those at Grade Level 1, Step 2 will make N70,700. Employees at Grade Level 10, Step 1 will earn N99,707, with those at Step 15 in the same level set to receive N101,722. Higher-level employees, such as those at Grade Level 17, Step 1, will earn N254,667, with Grade Level 17, Step 9 reaching N259,805.

The agreement also outlines percentage increases across different levels, with a 5% increase for Grade Levels 1-3, 4% for Grade Levels 4-6, 3% for Grade Levels 7-10, 2% for Grade Levels 12-14, and 1% for Grade Levels 15-17.

Governor Otti assured that salaries would be consistently paid by the 28th of each month.

The agreement was signed by government representatives and leaders from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).