The Akwa Ibom State Government is set to implement the new N80,000 minimum wage for verified workers starting from January 2025, with arrears dating back to November 2024. Governor Umo Eno made the announcement during the 2025 Thanksgiving Service of the State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.

Governor Eno assured workers that the verified individuals would receive the arrears as promised, emphasizing that only those verified into the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service will be eligible. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers' welfare, including efforts to clear a backlog of N97 billion in gratuities and entitlements.

During the event, the governor lauded the NUJ for its cooperation in supporting his administration’s ARISE Agenda, and he urged the public to support development initiatives rather than engage in actions that undermine the state. The state government also committed to completing the NUJ Secretariat as promised.