Akwa Ibom ready to comply with new minimum wage, says head of service

The Head of Civil Service of Akwa Ibom State, Effiong Essien, has said that the state government would not hesitate to comply with the payment of the new minimum wage as soon as it is approved by the Federal Government.
 
Essien made this known in Uyo ahead of the 2024 Public Service Week.
 
He urged all public servants in the state to ensure commitment and productivity in service delivery to enhance the public sector.
   

According to him, public service is the engine room of the government in terms of formulating and implementing policies and programmes to the benefit of the people.

Essien pointed out that June 23 every year is observed as the United Nation Public Service Day to celebrate people working in the public service for their contributions to the development of the society.
 
He said that this year’s celebration, with the theme, ‘Stay Forward Looking: Make a Difference,’ marks 10 years after it was first observed in the state by the state civil servants.
 
Public service encompasses all government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as parastatals and government owned companies.

Essien said: “Workers in these MDAs and others formulate and ensure the implementation of government’s policies for growth of nations and betterment of mankind.”
 
The Head of Civil Service recalled that Governor Umo Eno had released over N18 billion for settlement of outstanding pensions, gratuities and leave grants in the last one year.
 
He added that the state government had procured 150 housing units to be distributed free to workers from grade level 01 to 08 to enhance their welfare.

“The Akwa Ibom State public servants have reasons to thank God, as the governor has prioritised welfare of workers, serving and retired, with very pragmatic approaches.
 
“There is an increment in pension to cushion the effect of the harsh economic situation on pensioners in the state,” he added.
 
Essien enumerated activities lined up for the 2024 public service week to include a novelty football match, public lecture, road walk to keep civil servants fit, as well as a thanksgiving service.