… Harps On Effective Service Delivery
By Timothy Ekpo
UYO
Akwa Ibom government has reiterated its commitment to the welfare of workers as part of efforts to sustain motivation, productivity, and dedication within the public service in the state.
The state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, gave the assurance at the 2026 Workers Day celebration which took place at the Uyo Township Stadium on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Represented by his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, at the event organised by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the governor applauded workers and attributed the steady progress recorded under his administration’s ARISE Agenda to the diligence, professionalism, and commitment of the state workforce.
“That we have made remarkable strides across the critical pillars of our ARISE Agenda is because our workers have remained passionate, dedicated, and resourceful,” he said.
He explained that his stint and readiness to provide needed welfare services to workers, was in fulfilment of promises he made to the organised labour during the 2023 election campaign, especially the pledge to offset pended gratuities and other emoluments owed workers.
“I make bold to proclaim that within just three years, we have paid over N82 billion out of the inherited N111 billion backlog of gratuities and other entitlements dating back to 2012,” he stated.
The state chief executive disclosed that his administration had recruited thousands of workers into the civil service and teaching service, implemented promotions, sustained prompt payment of salaries, increased pension payments, addressed accommodation needs of workers, and digitalised the civil service in line with global best practices.
He charged workers to remain committed and willing partners in the discharge of their duties, while raising the standard of service delivery across the state.
“As you celebrate this great day, let us recommit ourselves to the service of our dear state. Let us continue to work together, grow together, and give our best together for the progress and development of Akwa Ibom,” he said.
The governor commended the outgoing NLC chairperson, Elder Sunny James, for his exemplary leadership, comradeship, and constructive engagement with government throughout his tenure.
The commissioner for labour and manpower planning, Mr. Ikoedem Ekong, who spoke on the theme, “Insecurity and Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” commended government for creating a conducive environment for workers and for implementing policies that have enhanced the wellbeing of the labour force.
The special adviser to the governor on Labour Matters, Mr. Udo Akpan, described Workers’ Day as a globally recognised occasion set aside to celebrate the invaluable contributions of workers to national development and thanked Governor Eno for his consistent support to workers in the state.
In his solidarity message, the NLC chairperson, Elder Sunny James, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Eno for what he described as a sincere and sustained commitment to workers’ welfare, noting that the administration’s worker-friendly policies have restored confidence in government and renewed hope among workers.
He commended the governor for prompt payment of salaries and pensions, clearance of gratuity backlogs, regular promotions, recruitment into the public service, and ongoing reforms in the civil service.
According to him, those measures have restored the dignity of workers and strengthened industrial harmony in the state.
The chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Akparawa Kingsley Akpan, thanked Governor Eno for rebuilding workers’ trust in government and fostering an atmosphere of cooperation between labour and the state government.
Solidarity messages were also received from the speaker of the State House of Assembly, represented by the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Nsikakabasi Orok; the State Chief Judge, represented by Justice Effiong Effiong; the head of Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Peters, and the State controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, represented by a director in the Ministry, Mr. Henry Okpon.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of brand-new vehicles by the governor to the newly elected TUC chairman, Comrade Kingsley Akpan, and the chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, Mr. Kingsley Ekong.
The event, which attracted labour leaders, union veterans, government officials, and other distinguished guests, also featured a colourful march-past by various trade unions and groups, with the Nigerian Nurses and Midwives Association emerging overall winners.
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