May 2, 2025 — Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Anambra State have lauded Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his administration’s implementation of a new N82,000 minimum wage, the highest in the South-East region.
Speaking during the 2025 May Day celebration at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka on Thursday, the state NLC Chairman, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, expressed gratitude on behalf of the organised labour, describing Soludo’s gesture as a sign of visionary and compassionate leadership.
“The prompt and comprehensive implementation of the 2024 minimum wage without industrial unrest is a true testament to exemplary leadership,” Nwafor said, noting that the state’s new wage surpasses the national benchmark of N70,000.
He also applauded the governor for approving a N10,000 non-taxable monthly award to pensioners and commended his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, fiscal discipline, and debt-free governance.
Highlighting some of Soludo’s key projects—such as the Ekwulobia Flyover, Awka Fun City, and the completion of the state Government House—Nwafor urged other leaders to emulate his worker-friendly policies.
However, the labour leader also called attention to unresolved issues affecting workers. These include the Contributory Pension Scheme, outstanding non-teaching staff allowances in ASUBEB, the need for a dedicated adviser on labour matters, low-cost housing for workers, mass recruitment, and payment of longstanding entitlements, particularly for retirees of the Anambra Broadcasting Service.
Responding, Governor Soludo reassured the workforce of his continued commitment to their welfare, stating that his government had cleared seven years of accumulated pension and gratuity arrears inherited from previous administrations.
“We have successfully paid the arrears for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020. Only 2021 remains, and arrangements are in place to settle that soon,” Soludo said.
He added that worker welfare remains a moral obligation for his government, stressing transparency, fiscal responsibility, and improved working conditions as pillars of his administration.
The May Day celebration, themed “Reclaiming Civic Space Amidst Economic Hardship,” also featured the presentation of the ‘Worker’s Beacon of Hope’ award to Governor Soludo for his empathy and support for Anambra workers.
