Workers in Akwa Ibom State have asked Governor Umo Eno to raise the current ₦80,000 minimum wage, saying it is no longer enough due to rising prices across the country.
The demand was made on Thursday, May 1, during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Uyo. The event had the theme, *“Reclaiming Civil Space Amid Economic Hardship.”*
Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Sunny James, said that even though Governor Eno has done a lot to support workers, including providing health care, housing, food packages, and a bulk purchase agency, the current wage cannot meet the needs of workers anymore.
He said, “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?
“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.”
James also praised the governor for paying back the 7.5% pension deductions from workers under the contributory pension scheme. He reminded the gathering that these deductions started in 2007 but were later ruled unnecessary by the state assembly due to lack of proper legal support.
In response, Governor Umo Eno, represented by his deputy, Akon Eyakenyi, thanked the workers for their support and said the government would continue to meet their needs as much as possible.
“We have excelled and remain committed to doing more within the limits of available resources,” the governor said.
Governor Eno said his administration had already paid over ₦60 billion out of the ₦98 billion in salary arrears inherited from past governments. He also listed other efforts to support workers, including:
– Raising the minimum wage to ₦80,000
– Keeping the 13-month bonus payment known as “Eno-ember”
– Providing 150 units of two-bedroom flats to workers
– Approving ₦1 billion as bonuses last year
– Employing 600 medical workers and 100 safety officers
The governor assured workers that more support will come and urged them to remain hopeful.
