The members of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, Anambra State chapter, have commended the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for the implementation of an N82,000 new minimum wage for workers in the state.
The Anambra State Chairman of NLC, Humphrey Nwafor, made the commendation on behalf of the workers in an address during the 2025 May Day celebration held at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, on Thursday.
Nwafor also appreciated the governor for approving a N10,000 non-taxable award to pensioners.
He said, “The organised labour sincerely appreciates the remarkable strides of the administration of Prof. Soludo. From inception, his visionary leadership towards transforming Anambra into a hub of economic and infrastructural excellence has been evident.
This vision is clearly reflected in the extensive road construction projects across the state, prudent economic management, and the achievement of major development milestones without resorting to borrowing, notable infrastructure projects such as the Ekwulobia Flyover, Awka Fun City, and the completion of the Anambra Government House and Lodge.
Of special note for today’s celebration is the prompt and comprehensive implementation of the 2024 minimum wage. While the national benchmark was set at N70,000, our governor graciously approved N82,000, the highest in the South-East, and implemented it seamlessly across all sectors without industrial unrest.
This is a true testament to exemplary leadership, and we deeply commend it.”
He called on all leaders, both in the public and private sectors, to prioritise the welfare of workers, especially in the areas of entitlements, empowerment, and fair remuneration.
Nwafor, however, appealed to the governor to urgently address other pressing issues that require serious attention like the issue of Contributory Pension Scheme, outstanding allowances for non-teaching staff in ASUBEB, the building of the Labour House, the appointment of a special adviser on labour matters.
Other issues requiring attention according to him, include low-cost housing for workers, mass recruitment, retirement age policy, water board, promotion, training and re-training of workers, utility vehicles for labour centres, payment of outstanding gratuities and entitlements to retirees of the Anambra Broadcasting Service, which has been pending since 2017, among others.
Soludo in his speech assured the workers that his administration will continue to work with the labour unions to ensure that the welfare of Anambra workers is always taken care of.
The May Day celebration with the theme, ‘Reclaiming civic space amidst economic hardship’, also featured the presentation of the award of ‘Worker’s Beacon of Hope’ to the governor in recognition of his exceptional empathy, dedication, and unwavering support for workers in Anambra.
During the event, Soludo also announced that his administration had successfully cleared seven years of accumulated gratuities and pension arrears inherited from the previous administrations.
He reiterated his government’s steadfast commitment to the welfare of workers, even amid Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
He said, “About the gratuities owed to our retired workforce, we have settled all arrears inherited upon assuming office. I am pleased to report that, barring cases where retirees have yet to complete documentation, we have successfully cleared four years’ backlog of pension arrears.”
In the civil service, retirees were owed four years of pensions totalling N14 billion. I am happy to announce that we have paid for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020. Only the year 2021 remains, and we are making arrangements to ensure it is paid shortly.”
Governor Soludo emphasised his administration’s commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and improved working conditions for public servants.
Within the limits of our available resources, we remain determined to enhance the welfare and working environment of our workforce. This is not just a policy choice—it is a moral obligation,” he added.
