The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress in Akwa Ibom state have directed the Organised Labour to work expeditiously with government to compress the days of staff verification exercise.

In a resolution reached after an emergency enlarged state executive council meeting of both unions yesterday, the labour bodies stated that the exercise should be scheduled to include Saturdays such that it can be concluded in the first week of January, 2025.

The unions further resolved to accept the December, 2024 salary at old rate in addition to the 13^th month bonus, to cushion the impact of non-payment of December salary at the new rate as earlier agreed.

The union however expressed its reservation on public pronouncement on workers issues that have not been discussed and aligned with the labour leaders.

Inspiration FM reached out to the chairman of the NLC, Comrade SUNNY JAMES on the reason for the shift of grounds.

Recall that Governor UMO ENO insisted that the 80, 000-naira minimum wage would only be paid whenever the ongoing workers verification exercise is completed.

Addressing a large gathering of government officials, religious leaders, Politicians across party line and citizens, at the annual State Christmas Carol Festival, he emphasized that his administration remained steadfast in prioritizing the welfare of workers.

While calling on Labour to speed up with the verification processes, the Governor promised to back date the payment to November, stressing that the exercise aims to identify and authenticate civil servants in the state.