On Friday, September 13, 2024, staff members of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, were overjoyed as they received their long-awaited salary arrears.
The payment comes as part of the Abia State government’s commitment to address the N16.5 billion in arrears owed to employees of state-owned higher education institutions, a debt left by the previous administration.
Earlier this year, the state government announced it would clear the arrears in phases.
Finance Commissioner Mike Akpara confirmed this plan and assured that similar efforts would be made to address salary arrears within the state civil service.
Akpara explained that the current administration inherited the significant debt but is determined to resolve it without disrupting progress in other areas of the economy.
The recent payment led to jubilant scenes among the staff, who were seen celebrating and expressing their gratitude.
In a video circulating online, employees are shown kneeling in thanks and offering prayers for the state governor.
