Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has announced that state employees will receive double salary payments in December, introducing a 13th-month salary, dubbed ‘Eno-Mber,’ to enhance the festive season for civil servants.

This comes amid delays in implementing the new N80,000 minimum wage, with the harmonization committee, led by the Head of the Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, now expected to complete its report by the first quarter of 2025.

The Governor made the announcement during a church service at Eternity Mission International Church in Uyo, offering the double salary as a temporary relief until the new minimum wage is rolled out.

He also emphasized the importance of verifying that those receiving payments are legitimate civil servants, ensuring transparency and honesty in service delivery.

Governor Eno further addressed concerns about disruptions between the state government and labor unions, urging those responsible to reconsider their actions. He highlighted his administration’s commitment to civil servant welfare, citing the payment of N35 billion in gratuities to retired workers and the implementation of a N1.1 billion bonus for public servants.

The governor also noted efforts to ease the impact of the federal government’s fuel subsidy removal, including timely payment of salaries, pensions, and the provision of 150 free homes for civil servants on grade levels one to eight at Grace Estate.