Enugu State workers Friday, joined their counterparts in the country to celebrate the 2026 International Workers’ Day with a call on the state governor, Dr Peter Mbah to implement the approved ₦32,000 minimum pension and restore suspended leave allowances, applauding his administration’s reforms and renewed confidence in his leadership.
Speaking at the event held at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu,with the Theme: “Insecurity and Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress , NLC ,Enugu state chapter, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, acknowledged the strides recorded by Governor Mbah administration.
NLC chairman,Comrade Fabian Nwigbo
He however, stressed that key welfare policies such remained unimplemented.
“We commend the government’s reforms, but approvals must move beyond paper. Retirees deserve the ₦32,000 minimum pension without further delay,” Nwigbo said.
He urged the government to commence immediate payment of the new pension for retirees across state and local government systems, while also settling outstanding gratuities approved earlier in February 2026.
The labour leader further demanded consequential salary adjustments in line with the new minimum wage, full implementation of teachers’ salary structures, and the payment of domestic servant allowances based on current wage realities.
Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists,NUJ, participated actively
He also highlighted pressing concerns in the health sector, calling for the full implementation of CONHESS and hazard allowances for health workers.
Other demands included: Completion of labour secretariats; Provision of affordable housing for workers, absorption of long-serving casual workers into the civil service ;Sustained capacity-building programmes
He commended Governor Mbah on i security and revived economic activities with reference to tackling the Mondays sit-at-home orders
Deputy Governor,Ifeanyi Ossai ( m) with labour leaders
‘Security has improved significantly. Our people can now work and move with greater confidence,” he said.
Nwigbo declared workers’ renewed confidence in Governor Mbah, describing him as “labour-friendly” and reform-driven”.
He noted that the administration’s investment in security, infrastructure and digital governance had restored public trust and boosted productivity.
“Enugu workers remain firmly aligned with this administration. The results are visible and measurable,” he said.
He further linked the theme of the celebration to broader national concerns, warning that insecurity and rising poverty levels continued to erode workers’ purchasing power and threaten decent work. “Decent work cannot thrive in poverty and insecurity. Addressing both is not optional—it is essential,” Nwigbo said..
TIC chairman , Comrade Simeon Akaeme
On his part, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress ,TUC Enugu State chapter, Comrade Simeon Akaeme, said many of the issues raised had already received government approval but were yet to be implemented.
“Implementation is key. Workers must begin to feel the real impact of these policies,” Akaeme said.
He also called for operational vehicles for labour unions to enhance efficiency, while urging workers to remain united and resilient.
“Progress in the labour movement has always come through solidarity and collective struggle,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the Enugu state Governor , Dr Peter Mbah, the Deputy Governor , Ifeanyi Ossai assured workers that their administration remained committed to workers’ welfare.
Enugu state Deputy Governor,Ifeanyi Ossai
“We have made measurable progress in pensions, wages, infrastructure, and security. Engagement with labour will continue constructively,” he said.
Governor Mbah reiterated the government’s resolve to implement all approved welfare policies without compromise.
Governor Mbah challenged labour unions to rethink the traditional approach to Workers’ Day celebrations by introducing more intellectual engagement.
“May Day should go beyond ceremony. It must become a platform for ideas that can disrupt the status quo,” he said.
Some labour leaders
He praised workers for their resilience and contributions to governance, assuring that their welfare remained a top priority of his administration.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Felix Nnamani, commended the governor for transformative governance reforms, particularly the shift from analogue to digital systems.
“E- governance, training, and transparent salary structures have significantly improved service delivery,” he said.
He added that Enugu had not only met but exceeded federal benchmarks on minimum wage implementation, while ensuring timely promotions and salary payments.
RATTAWU members displaying during parade
Highlight of the event was colourful match-pasts by affiliate unions, The celebration served as a reminder of the historical struggles that shaped modern labour rights from global movements to Nigeria’s own labour history.
