May Day: Mbah most labour-friendly governor – Organised Labour

The organised labour, comprising the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Enugu State has extolled Governor Peter Mbah for the improved and better working conditions of workers in the state, describing him as a “promise keeper” and “the most worker-friendly governor in Nigeria.”

This was as the governor renewed his commitment to the welfare and working conditions of workers, as well as continued implementation of policies aimed at economic emancipation and poverty eradication in the state.

The workers gave Mbah the commendations through the Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Benneth Asogwa, during the 2025 Workers’ Day Celebration at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, Enugu, on Thursday.

The workers, who expressed their gratitude to the governor for transforming the state and turning Enugu into a modern smart state within two years of his administration, insisted that Enugu workers were the most favoured in the country as a result of deliberate efforts of the governor to redefine the face of governance.

“Your Excellency, our major task in Enugu State since you assumed office has been to count our numerous blessings. We are proud to say that Your Excellency says what he does and does what he says,” the NLC chairman noted.

Describing Mbah as “Mr Project,” who was transforming Enugu into a modern state through his governance philosophy of business unusual, Nwigbo said in addition to the numerous projects that had been completed and the ongoing ones, the governor had also prioritised the welfare packages of workers in the state.

While speaking on the theme of this year’s May Day – Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship, Comrade Asogwa hailed the governor for his clearly defined leadership model which has made him the “Face of New Enugu”.

“Your exponential capacity in transforming Enugu state has distinguished you among other governors in Nigeria. You have established a leadership model that has set unequalled benchmark for the assessment of good governance in Nigeria.

Asogwa, who lamented the biting economic hardship and the precarious situation of the masses in the country, said the case was different in Enugu as Mbah’s proactive approach to governance was impacting positively on the standard of living of the people across the state.

“Your Excellency, the workers are very grateful for your resolve to redefine governance in our state by proactively taking steps aimed at placing Enugu in the frontline of reforms that cut across all sectors and trickle down to the grassroots,” he added.

In their separate remarks, they explained that the N80,000 minimum wage approved and being implemented by the governor, which was above the national minimum wage of N70,000, as well as the harmonisation of the salaries of both state and local government workers has significantly improved the lives of workers.

According to the organised union, the approval of payment of the long abandoned gratuity of retirees, clearing of pension arrears and regular pension payments, the ongoing 260 Smart Green Schools and 260 Smart Type-2 PHCs, transformation of the transport sector, revitalisation of dormant infrastructure and assets, completion of the International Conference Centre, procurement of the CNG buses and tractors for agriculture, the 260 farm estate initiative, the launch of Enugu Air in the aviation industry, construction of hundreds of roads in urban and rural areas, and the outstanding improvement of security in the state had endeared the governor to their hearts.

Reacting, Governor Mbah, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Barr. Victor Udeh, said the administration was deliberate about creating wealth, employment, better working environment, functional systems and institutions that would elevate the economic status of workers and also make them more efficient and productive.

He commended the workers for their services to the state and the public which were adding to nation-building and wealth of nation.

“For us, however, everyday is Workers’ Day because we strongly believe that our greatest asset lies in human resources.

“It’s a very auspicious moment to thank Enugu State workers, the leadership of the various unions for their toil and sacrifice. Labour creates wealth; there can never be any doubt about that.

“The best way to acknowledge that labour creates wealth is by ensuring our workforce, which creates the wealth that oils the wheel of government, is sufficiently motivated,” he added.

According to him, the administration would never relent in the commitment which it has always demonstrated in terms of workers’ welfare, prompt payments of salaries and pensions, including gratuities already commenced, and approval of their promotions and conversions.

“When our Smart Green Schools fully open this September, they will represent a significant economic relief for workers whose children and wards will be enrolled in the schools sited in all the 260 wards in the state.

“We have recorded significant milestones in the area of security, ending the illegal sit-at-home order by non-state actors, provision of security in all nooks and cranny of the state, payment of palliatives even after the federal government had stopped, payment of N80,000 minimum wage across the state down to the local government levels; and payment of gratuity upon retirement from state public service”, he stated.

Charging the workers to continue to be dedicated by putting their best for optimal performance, the governor promised to address some of the technical glitches in the state verification process, adding that the verification exercise was to ensure efficiency in the system and also rid the state of corruption and bad eggs.

May Day: Mbah most labour-friendly governor – Organised Labour