Mathew Amaechi
In a spirited May Day celebration at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, workers across Anambra State have heralded Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for his economic initiative.
The administration’s recent decision to implement a new minimum wage of N82,000—substantially higher than the national benchmark of N70,000—has been widely lauded by members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Worker Welfare at the ForefrontSpeaking on behalf of organized labour, Humphrey Nwafor, the Anambra State Chairman of the NLC, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the governor’s commitment to improving workers’ lives. “Our appreciation extends beyond words,” Nwafor affirmed. “Governor Soludo’s visionary leadership has not only accelerated infrastructure development but also placed the welfare of our workforce at the very core of his administration’s priorities.” He also highlighted the timely approval of a non-taxable award of N10,000 for pensioners—a move which further reveals the government’s empathy and support for its citizens.
Nwafor’s address at the May Day event resonated with hope and achievement. He spotlighted the transformative projects sweeping the state—from extensive road construction and strategic infrastructure like the Ekwulobia Flyover and Awka Fun City to the completion of the Anambra Government House and Lodge.
These initiatives, he explained, are testaments to an administration that believes in economic prudence, strategic planning, and self-reliance without the need for excessive borrowing.Yet, while celebrating these milestones, Nwafor did not shy away from voicing workers’ other pressing demands. He urged the governor to urgently address lingering issues such as the Contributory Pension Scheme, outstanding allowances for non-teaching staff of ASUBEB, the establishment of a dedicated Labour House, and the appointment of a special adviser on labour matters.
Additionally, he called for more sustainable solutions on low-cost housing, mass recruitment drives, retirement policy reforms, and ensuring that utility vehicles and comprehensive training opportunities become a regular feature in labour centres.
Governor Soludo, in his remarks during the event, reassured workers that the momentum in safeguarding labour interests will continue.
Emphasizing transparency and fiscal discipline, the governor detailed how his administration had successfully addressed over seven years of inherited gratuities and pension arrears. “We have cleared arrears for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020, covering a total of four years in pension obligations,” he detailed. “Only 2021 remains pending, and we are making swift arrangements for its payment.”
This decisive action not only reinforces the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility but also provides a renewed sense of trust among the workforce.The day’s festivities, held under the theme “Reclaiming Civic Space Amidst Economic Hardship,” saw Governor Soludo being honored with the ‘Worker’s Beacon of Hope’ award—a symbol of his exceptional empathy, dedication, and proactive support for workers in the state.
The ceremony was a vibrant convergence of state leaders, union members, and civil society, all united under the common banner of progress and improved living standards.
Governor Soludo’s administration remains steadfast in ensuring that Anambra continues to evolve into a hub of economic and infrastructural excellence. His policies, aimed at advancing worker welfare and building resilient communities, represent a paradigm shift that prioritizes the rights and dignity of every worker in the state.
