Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State recently announced a double salary payment for state workers this December, aiming to bring some festive cheer to employees as they await the rollout of a new minimum wage. This initiative, called the “Eno-Mber” 13th-month salary, will temporarily ease financial concerns for civil servants who may have expected higher paychecks sooner.

The decision comes as the committee responsible for updating the state’s wage structure, led by the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, faces delays. Originally expected to complete their report within a month, the committee’s work is now anticipated to be done by early 2025.

Governor Eno made the double salary announcement during a service at Eternity Mission International Church in Uyo, reassuring workers that this bonus is a short-term solution until the new wage adjustments are ready.

“I am aware that quite a number of our civil servants have relocated within Nigeria while others have gone abroad. We have to be sure that those receiving payments are real civil servants. My watchword since assuming office has been transparency and honesty in service deliverables and we have to ensure that we carry this through this verification exercise, which would soon be completed,” he noted.

The Governor also cautioned those attempting to create conflicts between the state government and labor groups, encouraging everyone to support a smooth working relationship.

“Since we came in, we have paid critical attention to the needs and the welfare of civil servants in this state. To date, we have paid N35 billion in gratuities to retired state, local government workers and primary school teachers in the state,” he recalled.

He noted that the state is also committed to timely payments for salaries, pensions, and gratuities. Additionally, a N1.1 billion bonus will be distributed to public servants to further improve morale and support good work habits.