Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has sanctioned a salary increase of N10,000 for civil servants and the hiring of 1,700 teachers to address the staffing deficit in state-run schools.
The announcement was made during the Workers’ Day festivities at Pa Ngele Oruta township Stadium in Abakaliki on May 1, 2024.
Governor Nwifuru praised the workforce for their dedication, stating, “Your commitment and sacrifices stand unparalleled globally. It’s essential to acknowledge your efforts, and we have plans to reward you as outlined in the People’s Charter of Needs.”
He pledged to build upon the previous administration’s successes to boost the state’s economy and recognized the workers as essential contributors deserving recognition for their dedication.
Nwifuru reassured the public of consistent promotions and timely disbursement of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, noting that all gratuities for retirees since January 2024 have been fully settled.
“We are up-to-date with our financial obligations to our workforce and await the resolution on the minimum wage discussions,” he affirmed.
The governor also committed to addressing the requests presented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Ebonyi State, including the approved salary increment.
In a collective address, NLC and TUC representatives, led by NLC chairman Professor Ogugua Egwu, emphasized the “People First” theme, advocating for the prioritization of citizens’ welfare.
They urged the governor to employ additional educators for public schools and improve worker benefits.
They also called for the implementation of judicial independence, betterment of judiciary staff welfare, reinstatement of suspended Ebonyi State University (EBSU) staff, reintegration of former Ebonyi State Teaching Hospital (EBSUTH) employees into the new hospital, revitalization of the Ebonyi State College of Education, and standardization of the gratuity management system.
