Labour Leaders Applaud Peter Mbah Over New Worker Welfare Packages

Labour leaders in Enugu State have commended Governor Peter Mbah following what they described as a productive consultative meeting that produced significant welfare commitments for workers and retirees, including a ₦32 billion allocation for pensions and gratuities in the 2026 budget.

The commendation followed a strategic engagement between the governor and leaders of organised labour held at the Government House, Enugu. The meeting reportedly ended on an emotional note, with union leaders spontaneously singing in appreciation of the administration’s commitments.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Head of Service Godwin Anigbo described the engagement as a milestone in strengthening collaboration between the state government and its workforce.

According to him, the governor approved key requests centred on workers’ welfare, productivity, and improved working conditions, including a directive for immediate review of consequential adjustments linked to the new minimum wage.

Anigbo also disclosed plans to upgrade the state’s Staff Development Centre into a full-fledged Public Service Training Institute — projected to be the first of its kind in the country — aimed at enhancing manpower development and public sector efficiency.

On infrastructure, he confirmed approval for the completion of Wing C of the New State Secretariat and the renovation of Blocks A and B to improve workplace conditions for civil servants.

He further emphasised that the ₦32 billion earmarked in the 2026 fiscal framework would address pensions, gratuities, and inherited liabilities, reflecting what he described as a strong pro-worker policy direction.

Labour Unions Express Satisfaction

Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Enugu State chapter, Fabian Nwigbo, described the meeting as unprecedented, noting that labour leaders received concrete assurances backed by timelines.

He highlighted the approval of a ₦32,000 minimum pension as a landmark intervention expected to significantly improve retirees’ living standards.

Nwigbo also recalled that pension arrears were cleared shortly after the governor assumed office, while gratuity payments have now been institutionalised within the annual state budget.

He linked improved worker morale to broader governance outcomes, including increased workplace productivity and cooperation with government initiatives.

TUC: Renewed Hope for Workers and Pensioners

Similarly, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, Ejikeme Akaeme, said the spontaneous songs after the meeting reflected genuine satisfaction among labour leaders.

He noted that the governor addressed key concerns affecting both active workers and retirees, including pension adjustments, gratuities, and broader welfare improvements.

Akaeme added that visible development projects across sectors, alongside prompt salary payments and improved welfare packages, have boosted workers’ confidence and pride in public service.

Strengthening Industrial Harmony

Observers say the meeting underscores growing cooperation between government and labour in the state, with both sides emphasising productivity, welfare, and sustained industrial harmony.

Labour leaders expressed optimism that the newly announced welfare measures would further motivate workers and consolidate the positive relationship between the administration and the public workforce.