Umo Eno's Akwa Ibom Creates 7,069 Jobs, Cuts Arrears

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has secured 7,069 employment and empowerment opportunities across various sectors over the past three years. His administration has also reduced the gratuity arrears inherited from previous administrations by N100 billion, from a total of N111 billion.

Elder Ikoedem Ekong, the commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning, announced these achievements during a ministerial media briefing. The employment initiatives include recruitment in education, healthcare, and legal services, as well as skills acquisition and youth engagement.

The state government has implemented an ₦80,000 minimum wage effective November 1, 2024, introduced a 13th-month salary called Eno-mber, and settled outstanding pension deductions. Additionally, pension increases have been provided for retirees, and ₦150 million in gratuities has been paid to former workers of Akwa Palms Limited.

The government also facilitated ₦180 million in salary arrears for various workers associated with several agricultural and maintenance projects.