By Our Correspondent
Ad-hoc workers of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) have raised alarm over what they describe as a persistently poor and meagre monthly allowance of ₦20,000, a figure they say has remained unchanged for over a decade despite rising living costs and multiple minimum wage reviews by successive governments.
The complaint surfaced following a social media post by a Facebook user who drew public attention to the condition of service of ad-hoc staff at the state-owned broadcast outfit.
According to the post, the ₦20,000 monthly pay was last reviewed in 2014 and has remained static since then—about 11 years—despite inflationary pressures and nationwide adjustments to the minimum wage.
The post alleged that when a former Managing Director, Ozonkpu Uche Nworah, left office, the allowance stood at ₦20,000, and that the figure has not changed to date.
“This is pure inhumanity,” the writer stated, claiming that ad-hoc workers at ABS are “progressively suffering,” even as the organisation projects a polished public image.
The social media user further alleged that while national minimum wage increments approved during the administrations of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016 and President Bola Tinubu in 2024 have translated into salary increases for senior officials, including management, the ad-hoc staff were excluded from such adjustments.
The post also claimed that despite the Anambra State Government’s approval of a new minimum wage framework under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the benefits have not been extended to ad-hoc workers at ABS.
“They still go home with ₦20,000 every month,” the post read, calling on “Ndi Anambra” to take note of the situation and urging the ABS management to show “consideration and compassion.”
Some ad-hoc staff members, who spoke to this reporter on condition of anonymity, corroborated the claims, describing the allowance as grossly inadequate in the face of current economic realities.
One worker said the amount barely covers transportation costs, leaving nothing for feeding or family responsibilities. Another lamented that many staff members rely on side hustles to survive, despite working regular hours at the broadcast station.
Efforts to reach the management of ABS for official comments were unsuccessful as of press time.
The Managing Director, Mr. Christopher Molokwu, was unavailable to respond to the allegations.
Labour analysts say the situation highlights a broader challenge within public institutions where ad-hoc and contract workers often fall outside formal wage reviews.
They warn that prolonged neglect of such workers could affect morale, productivity and service delivery.
As public attention grows following the social media disclosure, stakeholders are calling on the Anambra State Government and ABS management to urgently review the welfare of ad-hoc staff in line with prevailing economic conditions and approved minimum wage policies.
