By N.T.A. Efo
Yesterday, May 1, 2025, was celebrated as International Workers’ Day in Nigeria.
Aside celebrating the contributions and achievements of workers, the labour movement in Akwa Ibom State, under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, passed a vote of confidence on Governor Umo Eno.
The movement had several reasons to do so. Firstly, the movement’s objective is to ‘fight’ for the rights of workers, challenge exploitative labour law and practices, and advocate for improved working conditions, civil rights and economic justice.
Infact, it’s slogan is from a Portuguese phrase, Aluta Continua, Victoria Acerta, translated into English to mean The Struggle Continues, Victory is Certain. So, all the movement does is struggle by ‘fighting’ for the rights of workers until victory is certain. But is victory always certain? Not. In short, most times, never certain. That is why the struggle continues.
In Akwa Ibom State though, certain victories have certainly been won, making the instruments of the ‘fight’ redundant over time.These instruments, including protests, strikes, rallies, media engagements which comes in the form of well oiled propaganda and campaigns have generally been absent in Akwa Ibom State since Governor Eno came into office two years ago.
As at today, there seems a permanent ceasefire in the ever continuous fight between labour and government in Akwa Ibom State.
Ceasefires are most times, temporary. So, how did Governor Eno achieve a permanent one in the face of deep rooted issues and differing demands, some dating as far back as 2012?
The State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Sunny James, at the celebration held at the Uyo Township Stadium, alluded to the reason for this when he said the Governor has shown outstanding commitment to workers welfare.
He highlighted Governor Eno’s fulfillment of promises made to workers, including the clearance of a staggering N78 billion in outstanding entitlements from inherited obligations .
He equally praised Governor Eno for resolving 18 of the 25 demands presented by organized labour to his government and for initiating the refund of 7.5 percent contributory pensions amounting to over N2.6 billion, especially for primary school teachers.
Comrade James further thanked the Governor for approving the N80,000 minimum wage, which he began paying in January, 2025, to over 46,000 verified workers, with arrears retroactively paid from November, 2024.
Similarly, the Chairman of the TUC in the State, Dr. Dominic Abang, applauded initiatives like the donation of 150 housing units for civil servants, the full implementation of the State Health Insurance Scheme , and the administration’s workers-first posture.
The State TUC chairman was speaking in the same vein as the union’s National President, Comrade Felix Osifo, while honouring Governor Eno as the Best Labour Friendly Governor in Nigeria.
Presenting the Award to the Governor, during the annual dinner and awards night of the TUC, which took place at Abuja Continental Hotel, over the weekend, Osifo said the Award was in recognition of Governor Eno’s outstanding efforts, dedication and selfless services towards the growth and well-being of workers in Akwa Ibom.
The time allotted to James and Abang could not afford them the opportunity to say all the Governor has done for the labour movement, to make it operate a permanent ceasefire over labour issues with his administration.
Let me help with some additions here: consistent, regular and constant payment of salaries, gratuities and pensions, payment of leave grants, including outstandings for over 15 years, totalling about N42billion, upward review of pensions for workers, payment of promotion allowances of over N13billion, payment of the 13th month salary, tagged Enomber, every December since he assumed office, payment of wardrobe allowances to 20,345 teachers in primary and secondary schools, and payment of bonuses which amounted to over N1b to 52,000 before the verification exercise.
The Governor has also been of assistance to labour unions. He awarded a contract for the completion of the auditorium of the Nigeria Union of Journalists aside from giving its 11 State Executive committee members official vehicles to assist in the performance of their duty.
Permanent Secretaries haven’t had it so good. According to the Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien, the last time they had an official vehicle from government was in 2016. This year, however, Governor Eno gave all Permanent Secretaries new SUVs as official vehicles.
Other workers across all strata are being taken care of by the Governor. New judges were given official vehicles on the day of their swearing in, same with commissioners. Over 30 aides of the Governor have also been given official vehicles.
For the private sector, Governor Eno has been a pillar of support. Most Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises have enjoyed tremendous support in terms of grants, enabling their owners to cope with salary payments and other commitments. Some are known to have employed news hands through the government grants.
Through the state employment portal, job vacancies have been declared. Currently, applications are being received from those intending to serve the state as Occupational Safety Officers and State Counsels.
About 600 medical personnel will also be employed to assist in interpreting and implementing the government”s ARISE agenda as it affects the health sector.
Governor Eno is surely not surprised at the peaceful collaboration he is enjoying with workers in the State. As someone who is deliberate and intentional in his dealings, he had, prior to entering office, promised to “collaborate with labour to move the state forward,” run a transparent, accountable, consultative all inclusive government, “promote public service excellence” and “enhance workers welfare.”
This, he is doing, peacefully, and devoid of the usual noise, disturbances and protests associated with “Aluta.”