The Ebonyi State Government has officially announced an increase in the minimum wage for civil servants, raising it from N70,000 to N90,000. This development was revealed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebe, during a press briefing on Thursday, where he shared the outcomes of the recent State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting.
Chief Omebe explained that the salary increase is intended to improve the welfare of workers across the state and emphasized that the new wage takes effect immediately. The increment will apply to all categories of civil servants, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting its workforce.
He clarified that this decision is not politically motivated, affirming that the Ebonyi Government takes the welfare of its workers seriously. To underscore this commitment, Omebe noted that the state has consistently managed pension and gratuity payments for retirees since its establishment in 1996. Additionally, the government has begun a verification process for retirees in the Local Government Areas, with plans to ensure timely payments upon completion.
Omebe highlighted that the government’s dedication to workers’ welfare is evident through its readiness to meet substantial financial obligations, such as the recent wage increase of N20,000. He described Governor David Umahi as a leader focused on capacity building—not just in infrastructure but also in human resources—and pointed out that the administration follows a people-centered approach grounded in biblical principles that prioritize meeting citizens’ needs.
Furthermore, the EXCO also discussed the enforcement of the eight-year tenure policy for directors. It was agreed that those who have served in the same cadre for the specified period will be required to retire immediately. This policy applies to affected permanent secretaries and directors, aiming to ensure effective governance and administrative renewal within the state civil service.