The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has called on Abia State Governor Alex Otti to broaden the recent salary adjustment approved for legislative staff to encompass teachers, healthcare professionals, and local government workers across the state. This appeal comes in the wake of the administration's decision to implement the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) for eligible employees within the Abia State House of Assembly and the Assembly Service Commission.
Under the newly approved policy, which is scheduled to take effect from January 2027, parliamentary personnel in the state will receive a 25 per cent implementation of CONLESS. This development positions Abia as the pioneering state within the South-East region to adopt the legislative remuneration framework for its assembly workers.
What led to the salary approval?
The announcement was officially made public by Njoku Ukoha, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, through a statement released on Wednesday. The approval followed the findings and recommendations submitted by a specialized committee established to evaluate the feasibility and implementation modalities of the salary structure.
CONLESS serves as the standardized remuneration framework designated for legislative personnel across the National Assembly, state Houses of Assembly, and their corresponding service commissions. Despite sustained agitation from parliamentary labour unions, the adoption of this structure has remained delayed or unimplemented across numerous states in the federation.
How did civil society react?
In a reaction issued via a statement on Wednesday, FENRAD Executive Director Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor lauded Governor Otti for clearing the implementation. He characterised the decision as a progressive move toward enhancing personnel welfare, bridging wage inequalities, and bolstering administrative efficiency within the legislature.
Nevertheless, the advocacy group stressed the necessity of an equitable and inclusive approach to worker welfare. Nwafor emphasized that comparable salary enhancements should be extended to personnel across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
According to the organisation, educators, medical personnel, council staff, and other civil servants equally warrant enhanced remuneration, favourable working environments, and institutional backing. While recognising the unique nature of the legislative salary framework, FENRAD argued that special increments for one sector should not isolate the broader public workforce from ongoing welfare interventions.
What are the recommendations of the advocacy group?
Beyond the call for an expanded wage review, FENRAD advocated for transparency in executing the 25 per cent adjustment slated for January 2027. The group also underscored the importance of securing adequate budgetary provisions, conducting periodic remuneration assessments, and maintaining consistent dialogue with organised labour and civil society organisations.
The organisation maintained that genuine good governance transcends physical infrastructure projects and policy declarations, noting that it should also be evaluated by how government actions directly uplift the living standards, dignity, and economic stability of the workforce.