By John Attah
Abia State has emerged as the first state in the South-East to implement the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS), with Governor Alex Otti approving a 25 per cent salary increase for eligible parliamentary workers.
The new remuneration package, which covers employees of the Abia State House of Assembly and the House of Assembly Service Commission, is scheduled to take effect from January 2027.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Njoku Ukoha, announced the development in a statement on Wednesday, explaining that the approval followed recommendations submitted by a committee established to work out the implementation of the new salary structure.
The decision marks a major development in the welfare of legislative workers in the state, particularly against the backdrop of longstanding demands for improved remuneration and better conditions of service.
CONLESS is the approved salary structure for legislative employees in the National Assembly, state Houses of Assembly and their respective service commissions.
However, its implementation has remained outstanding in several states despite sustained calls by parliamentary workers for the adoption of the structure.
With the latest approval, Abia has taken the lead among South-East states in extending the consolidated remuneration framework to its legislative workforce.
The 25 per cent salary increase is expected to narrow existing disparities in remuneration, improve workers’ welfare and enhance the efficiency and institutional capacity of the state’s legislature.
The development also forms part of the Otti administration’s broader efforts to improve public sector remuneration, promote fairness in the workforce and strengthen public institutions.
For legislative workers in Abia, the January 2027 commencement date represents a significant step towards improved earnings and recognition of their role in supporting the operations of the legislature.
