RismadarVoice Reporters
November 11, 2026
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has approved a 25 per cent implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) for eligible workers of the State House of Assembly and the Assembly Service Commission, effective January 2027.
The approval followed recommendations from a committee established to examine the implementation of the salary structure for legislative employees.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday, describing it as part of the administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare.
According to the state government, the development makes Abia the first state in the South-East to adopt CONLESS for parliamentary employees.
CONLESS is a specialised remuneration framework applicable to workers in the National Assembly, state Houses of Assembly and their respective service commissions.
Its implementation has remained outstanding in several states despite demands by parliamentary workers for improved salaries and conditions of service.
Reacting to the announcement, the Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) commended the governor but called for similar welfare improvements across other government institutions.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, FENRAD Executive Director, Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, described the approval as a positive development for legislative employees.
However, he urged the government to extend its salary review efforts to workers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Nwafor specifically identified teachers, healthcare professionals, local government employees and administrative personnel as categories deserving greater attention to their remuneration and working conditions.
The organisation acknowledged that legislative workers operate under a distinct salary structure but argued that this should not prevent broader improvements in public-sector welfare.
FENRAD also called for adequate budgetary provisions to support the approved adjustment and ensure its implementation from January 2027.
It recommended periodic salary reviews to reflect inflation and prevailing economic conditions, alongside continued consultations with organised labour and civil society organisations.
The group maintained that government policies should produce measurable improvements in workers’ living conditions and economic security.
Meanwhile, details of the approved salary scales, number of beneficiaries and financial implications for the state have not been publicly specified.
Further implementation guidelines are expected to clarify the eligibility requirements and how the approved CONLESS adjustment will affect individual workers.
The new arrangement is scheduled to take effect in January 2027, subject to the necessary administrative and budgetary preparations.
