Anambra Labour Unions Applaud Governor Soludo Over N82,000 Minimum Wage Implementation

In a strong show of support, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Anambra State have commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his remarkable commitment to workers’ welfare, particularly the implementation of a new minimum wage of ₦82,000, the highest in the South-East region. The commendation was delivered during the 2025 May Day celebration held at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka on Thursday.

The event, themed “Reclaiming Civic Space Amidst Economic Hardship,” also served as a platform for labour leaders to reflect on the achievements and challenges facing the workforce in Anambra, especially in light of prevailing national economic difficulties.

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Soludo Earns Praise for Workers’ Welfare Initiatives

Addressing a vibrant gathering of workers, the Chairman of the Anambra State chapter of the NLC, Humphrey Nwafor, lauded the Soludo-led administration for taking proactive steps in addressing the financial and emotional wellbeing of the state’s workforce. According to Nwafor, the new wage significantly surpasses the national benchmark of ₦70,000 and was implemented “seamlessly” across all sectors.

“This is a true testament to exemplary leadership,” Nwafor declared. “The organised labour sincerely appreciates the remarkable strides of the administration of Prof. Soludo.”

He highlighted not only the increased minimum wage but also the recent ₦10,000 non-taxable award for pensioners, which was applauded as a significant relief measure for retired civil servants.

Nwafor further commended Soludo for prudent economic governance, noting that major development projects such as the Ekwulobia Flyover, Awka Fun City, and the completion of the Anambra Government House and Lodge were executed without resorting to borrowing—a rare feat among Nigerian states.

Labour Demands Additional Reforms Amid Celebration

While commending the government, Nwafor also took the opportunity to present a list of outstanding issues requiring urgent attention. These include the Contributory Pension Scheme, payment of outstanding allowances for non-teaching staff in ASUBEB, construction of a Labour House, appointment of a Special Adviser on Labour Matters, and provision of low-cost housing for workers.

He also called for mass recruitment, a review of the retirement age policy, revival of the Water Board, and enhanced efforts toward training and re-training workers. Additionally, he pressed for the settlement of gratuities owed to retired staff of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) dating back to 2017.

“These concerns remain critical to sustaining the morale and productivity of our workforce,” Nwafor urged, emphasizing the need for continuous dialogue and partnership between government and labour.

Soludo Reaffirms Support for Workers, Clears Arrears

In his address, Governor Chukwuma Soludo expressed appreciation for the labour unions’ collaboration and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to upholding workers’ welfare as a central priority.

Soludo revealed that the state government had cleared seven years of accumulated gratuities and pension arrears, most of which were inherited from previous administrations. “We have paid pension arrears for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020. Only 2021 remains, and we are already making arrangements for its settlement,” the governor said.

He reiterated his administration’s values of transparency, fiscal responsibility, and human-centered governance, adding that the well-being of workers was not merely a policy decision but a moral responsibility.

“Within the limits of our available resources, we remain determined to enhance the welfare and working environment of our workforce,” Soludo stated.

Recognition as ‘Worker’s Beacon of Hope’

To crown the occasion, Governor Soludo was presented with the ‘Worker’s Beacon of Hope’ award, a symbolic recognition of his “exceptional empathy, dedication, and unwavering support for workers in Anambra.”

The award reinforced the governor’s growing reputation as a labour-friendly leader, one whose vision aligns with the aspirations of workers in both public and private sectors.

As Anambra’s economic transformation continues under his leadership, the governor’s ability to balance development goals with worker-centric policies has become a defining feature of his tenure.

The 2025 May Day celebration in Anambra ended on a high note, with renewed optimism among workers and a reinforced commitment from the government to build a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient future for all.