Workers in Akwa Ibom State, under the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have called for an increase in the state’s minimum wage, urging the government to address the growing financial strain on employees caused by inflation and rising living costs.
At the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held on May 1st in Uyo, the state’s NLC chairman, Sunny James, spoke out about the need for a new wage structure that aligns with the current economic situation. James noted that the existing minimum wage of N80,000, introduced by the state government, is no longer sufficient to meet the basic needs of workers.
James remarked that despite several welfare initiatives introduced by Governor Umo Eno’s administration—including housing projects, healthcare programs, bulk purchase schemes, and food distribution efforts—there is still a pressing need for a wage review. He stressed that the constant rise in inflation has made the current N80,000 wage untenable for workers.
“Your Excellency, if you have given us health, housing, a bulk purchase agency, and even distributed food, what again do we need to ask from you?” James said. “Your Excellency, it is to ask that you increase the minimum wage again. Inflation has affected the minimum wage and we shall be willing to negotiate the new one with you at your earliest convenience, as you invite us.”
James also took the opportunity to commend Governor Eno for his administration’s efforts to address workers’ welfare, notably the refund of 7.5% pension contributions owed to workers. The NLC chairman recalled that the pension deductions made in 2007 had been suspended due to a lack of legislative backing, but the governor had taken steps to ensure the refund was made.
In response, Governor Umo Eno, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Akon Eyakenyi, acknowledged the concerns raised by the workers. Eno praised the workers for their cooperation with the state’s labour unions and reiterated his commitment to improving their welfare.
The governor also noted the strides his administration had made in fulfilling campaign promises. He emphasized that, within two years, his government had made significant progress in paying off a substantial portion of the state’s N98 billion debt, having paid over N60 billion so far. Additionally, the state increased the minimum wage to N80,000, one of the highest in the country, and introduced a 13-month salary plan, known as “Eno-ember,” as a means of providing more financial relief to workers.
“We have excelled and remain committed to doing more within the limits of available resources to address the needs of our workers,” Eno said. “Thank God, today the NLC chairman is the man who has awarded the score and we have A+, which is 80 and above.”
The governor also pointed out other notable achievements, including the donation of 150 two-bedroom flats to workers, the release of N1 billion as bonuses last year, and the recruitment of additional medical personnel and safety officers. These steps, according to Eno, demonstrate his administration’s dedication to enhancing the lives of public sector workers in Akwa Ibom State.
