– Say Payment of N78 billion backlog of Entitlements Unprecedented
– In a remarkable show of unity and appreciation, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Akwa Ibom State have jointly passed a vote of confidence on Governor Umo Eno for his outstanding commitment to workers’ welfare.
– This declaration was made during the 2025 International Workers’ Day celebration held on Thursday, May 1st, at the Uyo Township Stadium.
– Addressing the gathering, the State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Sunny James, who described the event as a global celebration anchored on an ILO convention, bringing workers together to reflect on their rights, contributions, and leadership support, highlighted the Governor Umo Eno’s fulfillment of promises made to workers, including the clearance of a staggering N78 billion in outstanding entitlements from inherited obligations .
– He praised Governor Eno for resolving 18 of the 25 demands presented by organized labour and for initiating the refund of 7.5 percent contributory pensions amounting to over N2.6 billion, especially for primary school teachers.
– In a further boost to workers’ morale, Comrade James lauded the Governor’s approval of the N80,000 minimum wage, urging private employers across the state to follow suit.
“The time to support His Excellency is now. It is time for all of us to queue behind the Governor,” he emphasized.
“Your Excellency, I want to say the Organized Labour of Akwa Ibom State passes a vote of confidence on the Governor for looking in the direction of workers’ welfare,” Comrade James stated.
– Echoing similar sentiments, the Chairman of the TUC in Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Dr. Dominic Abang, described Governor Umo Eno as the most outstanding Governor in Akwa Ibom’s history. He applauded initiatives like the donation of 150 housing units for civil servants, the full implementation of the State Health Insurance Scheme, and the administration’s workers-first posture.
In recognition of his labour-friendly policies, the TUC presented Governor Eno with an Award of Excellence as Nigeria’s Best Performing and Labour-Friendly Governor.
The 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Akwa Ibom thus became not just a rally for workers’ rights, but a heartfelt endorsement of leadership that prioritizes people over politics.
