Enugu Workers Confer ‘Best Performing’, ‘Most Labour-Friendly’ Awards on Mbah

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has been conferred with two major honours by organised labour, emerging as the “Most Labour-Friendly Governor” and “Best Performing Governor” in Nigeria.

The recognition came as thousands of workers across the state commended his administration’s reforms in security, infrastructure and welfare.

The awards were presented on Friday at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The event attracted workers from both the public and private sectors, who gathered to mark May Day and assess labour conditions in the country.

In his address, the Enugu State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, said the honours were in recognition of the governor’s efforts to reposition the state as a secure and worker-friendly environment.

He noted that despite prevailing challenges of insecurity and poverty in parts of the country, Enugu had witnessed a shift through what he described as decisive leadership and targeted reforms.

Comrade Nwigbo highlighted the restoration of security as a major achievement, stating that workers could now carry out their duties without fear. He cited the curtailment of sit-at-home orders and the deployment of real-time surveillance systems as measures that had reduced crime and improved economic activity.

He also commended the administration’s infrastructure drive, including the construction of Smart Green Schools and Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres across the 260 political wards, describing them as significant investments in human capital. Ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects, he added, have improved connectivity and productivity.

On workers’ welfare, Nwigbo listed the implementation of an ₦80,000 minimum wage, payment of wage awards for 12 months, and approval of a ₦32,000 minimum pension. He also cited the settlement of pension arrears, regular promotions and improved allowances for health workers as evidence of a labour-friendly administration.

Similarly, the state Chairman of the TUC, Comrade Simeon Akaeme, commended the governor’s leadership, describing it as bold and pragmatic, with measurable impact across sectors.

He highlighted major infrastructure projects, including a 40-kilometre dual carriageway linking Nkanu East, Isi-Uzo and Udenu local government areas, the development of a 300-bed Enugu International Hospital, and the completion of a 5,000-capacity International Conference Centre.

Comrade Akaeme also pointed to reforms in public transportation, including the introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, construction of modern bus terminals and plans to roll out taxis, which he said had eased movement and reduced travel costs.

On economic development, he cited the launch of Enugu Air, the revitalisation of state assets such as Hotel Presidential and Niger Gas, and investments in tourism and agro-industrial development, including a 300,000-hectare land bank for farm estates across the 17 local government areas.

He further commended reforms in revenue collection and digital governance, noting that internally generated revenue had increased without placing additional burden on citizens. According to him, the deployment of a technology-driven security architecture has also led to a reduction in violent crime.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Felix Nnamani, said reforms in digitisation and e-governance had improved efficiency, transparency and service delivery within the civil service. He also commended prompt salary payments, regular promotions and improved welfare for workers.

While urging workers to remain committed, Nnamani expressed confidence that the administration’s policies would sustain growth and deliver long-term benefits. He added that improved security had enhanced productivity and economic activities across the state.

Responding, Governor Mbah, represented by the Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, thanked workers for the recognition and reiterated his administration’s commitment to their welfare.

He described workers as the “engine room of government” and assured that their entitlements would continue to receive priority attention. He added that the administration’s reforms were driven by a people-focused approach and pledged to sustain efforts towards building a secure, prosperous and inclusive economy.

The governor also called for increased collaboration, urging workers to provide data and feedback to enable government address workplace challenges more effectively.