Workers Honour Governor Mbah For Security, Welfare Reforms

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

The recognitions were made yesterday at the Michael Okpara Square in Enugu during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration, organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which attracted a large turnout of workers from both the public and private sectors, gathered to mark the annual May Day and reflect on labour conditions in the country.

In his address, the NLC chairman in the state, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, said the honours were in recognition of Governor Mbah’s deliberate efforts to transform Enugu into a modern, secure and worker-friendly state, noting that while insecurity and poverty remained major challenges across Nigeria, the governor had changed the narrative in Enugu through decisive leadership and targeted reforms.

Nwigbo highlighted key achievements of the administration, particularly the restoration of security, which he said had enabled workers to carry out their duties without fear.

He pointed to the successful eradication of destructive sit-at-home orders and the deployment of real-time surveillance systems, which had significantly reduced crime and improved economic activity over the past few years.

Beyond security, the labour leader cited the governor’s expansive infrastructure drive, citing the construction of Smart Green Schools and Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres in all 260 political wards, describing them as “enviable investments” in human capital development.

He also commended the ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects across the state, saying they have improved connectivity and enhanced productivity.

On workers’ welfare, Nwigbo listed several landmark policies, including the implementation of an ₦80,000 minimum wage, above the national benchmark, payment of wage awards for 12 months, and the approval of a ₦32,000 minimum pension, stressing the settlement of pension arrears, regular promotions, and improved allowances for health workers as evidence of the administration’s labour-friendly posture.

Similarly, the TUC chairman, Comrade Simeon Akaeme, applauded Mbah for what he described as “bold and pragmatic leadership” that has delivered tangible results across multiple sectors.