Anambra State Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has announced the approval of a minimum wage of N70,000 for state workers, effective immediately. This decision was made public following a meeting held late on Friday, October 25, between labor leaders and the state government.
Governor Soludo stated that the lowest-paid worker in Anambra will earn no less than N70,000, with potential increases that could see salaries ranging from N78,000 to N84,000, depending on the final calculations by the government’s team.
Additionally, the governor has introduced a monthly cash allowance of N10,000 for all pensioners in the state until a review of their pension salaries can be conducted. He emphasized that this temporary cash award is a reflection of his goodwill and concern for the plight of pensioners, who are often overlooked amidst discussions surrounding the new minimum wage.
Soludo also encouraged workers to consider participating in contributory pension schemes to safeguard themselves against future pension-related challenges. He remarked that the sooner state employees engage with these schemes, the better their financial security will be in the long run.
In his address, the governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to enhancing security across Anambra. He indicated that in the coming days, the government would be receiving a large number of security vehicles intended for local vigilante groups, aimed at improving safety in the region.
This development comes on the heels of President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the National Minimum Wage Act 2024 Amendment Bill into law on July 29, which raised the minimum wage for civil servants nationwide from N30,000 to N70,000.
Anambra has now joined a number of Nigerian states that are poised to implement the new minimum wage. Notably, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has recently approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 for civil servants, while governors Umaru Bago of Niger State and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State have each set their public servant minimum wages at N80,000.
