In a significant move to promote food security and sufficiency, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has declared every first and third Friday of the month as work-free days for state workers to engage in farming activities.
The announcement was made during the 2024 May Day celebrations at the Uyo Township Stadium, reflecting the ARISE Agenda’s focus on boosting agricultural productivity.
Governor Eno highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of state workers and outlined a series of measures to support both current and retired employees. He announced that his administration has released N16.1 billion for the payment of arrears of gratuity and ordered the immediate release of an additional N2 billion to further defray the backlog of gratuity, bringing the total to N18.1 billion.
During his speech, Governor Eno thanked organised labour for their support during the March 18th elections and affirmed that his administration has been fulfilling its promises to the workers. He cited several initiatives, including the payment of 13th-month salaries, housing projects in Ibiono Ibom Local Government, and the appointment of new Permanent Secretaries, as evidence of the government’s commitment to worker welfare.
The Governor also addressed the government’s response to the ongoing discussions on the new minimum wage, stating that the state would wait for further guidance from the federal government before implementing changes. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of going back to the farm to ensure a more sustainable food supply and stressed that the designated farm days were not for funerals or other activities.
In response to the Governor’s speech, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Sunny James, and the Trade Union Congress counterpart, Comrade Dominic Abang, praised the Governor for his efforts to support workers and for fulfilling his campaign promises. They specifically noted the prompt payment of gratuities, approval of the 7.5% contributory pension refund, and other measures that have benefited Akwa Ibom’s workers.
Governor Eno also presented two vehicles to the chairmen of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in response to an earlier request by labour leaders, further solidifying his administration’s support for organised labour.
