May Day: Anambra Workers Applaud Soludo Over N82,000 Minimum Wage

Workers under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Anambra State have expressed their appreciation to Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for initiating and implementing a new minimum wage of N82,000 for state employees.

Speaking at the 2025 May Day event at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka on Thursday, the state NLC Chairman, Humphrey Nwafor, delivered the message of gratitude on behalf of the workforce.

In addition to praising the wage increase, Nwafor also thanked the governor for the N10,000 tax-free allowance granted 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 also encouraged both public and private sector leaders to place greater emphasis on the well-being of workers by ensuring they receive their rightful benefits, empowering opportunities, and fair pay.

Nonetheless, Nwafor urged the governor to give prompt attention to several unresolved matters, including concerns over the Contributory Pension Scheme, pending allowances for ASUBEB’s non-academic staff, the construction of a Labour House, and the appointment of a special adviser on labour issues.

He also mentioned other important areas needing intervention, such as the need for affordable housing for employees, large-scale hiring, revisiting retirement age policies, reforms in the water board, and consistent training opportunities. He further appealed for provision of utility vehicles to labour offices, and for the long-overdue gratuities and retirement benefits of Anambra Broadcasting Service staff—some pending since 2017—to be paid.

In his address, Governor Soludo reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining a strong working relationship with labour unions to ensure the continuous protection of workers’ interests in the state.

The theme of this year’s Workers’ Day was ‘Reclaiming civic space amidst economic hardship’. During the occasion, the governor was honoured with the ‘Worker’s Beacon of Hope’ award to acknowledge his compassion, support, and commitment to workers in Anambra.

Governor Soludo also shared that his administration had cleared a backlog of seven years in unpaid pensions and gratuities, which had been left by past governments.

He reiterated his administration’s unwavering focus on workers’ well-being, despite ongoing economic difficulties in the country.

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.”

The governor emphasized that his government is guided by principles of accountability, efficient financial management, and better workplace conditions.

“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.