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The Abia State Government has announced plans to settle outstanding salary arrears owed to state civil service workers in stages.
The Commissioner for Finance, Mr Mike Akpara, revealed this during a press conference in Umuahia, emphasizing the commitment of the current administration to eliminate the practice of salary delays.
The government inherited a debt of N16.5 billion in unpaid salaries for workers in state-owned educational institutions.
Akpara assured that efforts are underway to clear these arrears while maintaining progress in other sectors of the economy.
He also mentioned that the government aims to kick-start the state's economy and improve financial circulation by addressing the issue of salary arrears.
The payment will be made in installments to prevent hindering the progress of other economic sectors.
The government plans to begin clearing the arrears for workers in state-owned educational institutions by July or August, with the goal of completing all payments by the end of the year.
The total amount owed to these institutions is N16.5 billion, and the government is focused on settling these arrears while also addressing other sectors.
The institutions include Abia State University (ABSU), College of Education in Arochukwu, College of Health Sciences, Abia State Polytechnic in Aba, and Abia State University Teaching Hospital. Additionally, the government has already paid the salary arrears for April and May owed to workers in ABSU.
