Soludo urge labour to embrace dialogue to resolve issues 

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has been urged to transition from traditional “protest unionism” to a model focused on national development and wealth creation.

The governors spoke separately in their States during the May Day celebration held on Friday.

Delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Awka, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, called for a more collaborative relationship between the state government and its workforce, while challenging labour union leaders to head towards development-oriented unionism, from protest unionism.

“We are in the business of making demands; that’s why agreements made in the past did not work,” he said.

He emphasised that for the state to thrive, labour must become a partner in wealth creation rather than a mere adversary in negotiations.

He urged workers to be the change they wish to see and asked the union to ensure that the workers themselves are delivering their services.

Reflecting on his Administration’s achievements, Soludo noted that the feedback from his campaigns in Anambra markets had been overwhelmingly; one of gratitude.

He argued that his Administration’s policies provide a “holistic benefit” to all the 9 million residents of the state, including the organised labour force.

He highlighted key achievements in infrastructure, such as in road projects benefiting commuters and workers alike, healthcare, especially in free antenatal care and delivery services, as well as economic stability, noting that the South East is officially “back to work, with the end to the ‘sit-at-home’ syndrome”

“When we lift the boat for everyone, the Anambra workers are the greatest beneficiaries,” the Governor stated, affirming his commitment to continued investment.

While acknowledging that resources are not infinite, Soludo signaled that more help is on the way for the social sectors, stating that his administration has already recruited more teachers at once than total numbers in previous administrations.

The governor promised to recruit even more teachers “as soon as possible,” citing education and health as the pillars of Anambra’s future. “When our resources improve, sooner or later, our schools will get more attention- we must prioritize it.”

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State promised that his Administration shall always listen to workers, noting that as a government elected to lead with a new service disposition that he would keep his doors open to the labour union, seek clarity and stay faithful in honouring commitments.

The overarching agenda is to build a system-wide culture of trust, mutual respect and solidarity. In the end, we know for a fact that we are all playing for the same team, because our interests, the holistic development of the State, are aligned.

He appealed to the labour union to refuse to play into the hands of elements, who will seek to use them to further their private agenda.

Governor Otti, appreciated the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliate unions in the State for partnering with the State Government to improve the welfare of the working man and woman.

He expressed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the present workforce, as well as taking unprecedented steps to address the injustice of the ages past, noting that the Administration had earmarked a sum in excess of N10 billion in the 2026 fiscal year for payment of gratuities accumulated over a 20-year period.

In Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, Governor Umo Eno, commended workers across the State for their dedication and contributions to the successful implementation of his Administration’s ARISE Agenda.

He noted that workers had remained steadfast in supporting the Government’s vision for sustainable development, describing them as critical partners in the progress recorded across key sectors.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I salute and celebrate all our workers for their immense contributions to the development of our dear state,” he said.

He said despite occasional disagreements, both parties consistently found common ground, through dialogue rather than confrontation.

“We have enjoyed a strong and productive relationship with organised labour under your leadership. Even in moments of disagreement, we always chose constructive engagement over unnecessary conflict”, Governor Eno said.

Highlighting his Administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, Eno recalled that one of his major promises during the 2023 election campaign was to offset the backlog of gratuities and other entitlements owed to workers since 2012.

According to him, the government has so far paid over N82 billion out of the inherited N111 billion gratuity backlog within three years.

The governor further disclosed that his administration has recruited 4,000 personnel into the state civil service within the past year, describing it as one of the largest recruitment drives in the state’s history.

He also approved the recruitment of 1,000 primary school teachers and additional junior staff to strengthen the workforce.

Governor Eno added that beneficiaries of Government housing units through raffle draws had successfully taken ownership of their homes, while promotion exercises for civil servants and secondary school teachers had been conducted promptly.

He reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to the timely payment of salaries and pensions, continuous manpower development, and specialised training programmes aimed at improving efficiency in the civil service.