The Abia Government says it has put measures in place to address the concerns raised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), to avert impending strike in the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Okey Kanu, made this known on Tuesday during a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council in Umuahia.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the NUT, had in a press statement signed by its leadership, directed its members to proceed with an indefinite strike on Thursday over its unmet demands by the government.
NAN also recalls that issues raised by the Union include non-implementation of the Teachers Salary Structure, 65 years retirement age and 40 elongation of service policy for teachers, among others.
The Commissioner said that a section of teachers had expressed dissatisfaction, particularly over salary differentials between primary school teachers and their counterparts in junior secondary schools.
He described the situation as being “blown out of proportion,” attributing the online agitation over the development to the opposition,who were seeking to politicise the issue.
Kanu said that the current administration consistently showed commitment to the welfare of Abia workers and pensioners.
“Salaries are being paid regularly, and Abia remains one of the first states to implement the N70,000 minimum wage,” he said.
He said that the government deliberately designed policies to incentivise teachers who had left the classroom and moved to the ministry during the previous administration due to unpaid salaries.
“The government introduced compensation packages to encourage them to return to teaching,” Kanu noted.
He further said that the state had also increased the retirement age for teachers from 60 years to 65 years as part of broader reforms to revitalise the education sector.
“The accusations that the government is neglecting teachers’ welfare are unfounded.
“This is a problem-solving administration focused on policies that uplift our workers,” Kanu said.
He disclosed that the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education was already engaging with the leadership of the union to resolve any lingering issues.
Kanu reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring a stable, motivated, and well-supported teaching workforce across the state.
