By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno PhD, has disclosed that his administration has paid over ₦82 billion out of the ₦111 billion gratuity backlog inherited from previous administrations, as part of efforts to improve workers’ welfare and restore confidence in public service.

The governor made the disclosure during the 2026 May Day celebration in Uyo township stadium, where he was represented by his deputy, Sen.  Akon Eyakenyi.

Eno said the milestone was achieved within three years, describing it as a reflection of his administration’s commitment to workers under the ARISE Agenda.

“Receiving appreciation from retired civil servants who had lost hope gives me immense fulfilment,” he said.

The governor commended workers across the state for their dedication and resilience, noting that their cooperation had been instrumental to the implementation of government policies and programmes.

He described the workforce as critical partners in driving development across key sectors of the state’s economy.

“On behalf of the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I salute and celebrate all our workers for their immense contributions,” he said.

Eno also praised the outgoing state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr. Sunny James, for maintaining a cordial relationship between organised labour and government.

According to him, the administration sustained industrial harmony by prioritising dialogue over confrontation.

“We have enjoyed a strong and productive relationship with organised labour. Even in moments of disagreement, we chose constructive engagement,” he stated.

The governor added that the outgoing labour leader would be formally honoured for his service to the state.

He also welcomed the new chairman of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria in the state, Mr. Kingsley Akpan, and the Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Mr. Kingsley Ekong, assuring them of continued collaboration.

To support their roles, he announced the immediate provision of official vehicles to the labour leaders.

Providing further data on workforce development, Eno said the state government had recruited 4,000 personnel into the civil service within the past year one of the largest recruitment exercises in the state’s history.

He added that approval had also been granted for the recruitment of 1,000 primary school teachers, alongside additional junior staff to strengthen service delivery.

The governor noted that beneficiaries of government housing schemes had taken ownership of their homes through raffle draws, while promotion exercises for civil servants and teachers had been conducted regularly.

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to:Timely payment of salaries and pensions; Continuous manpower development; Specialised training programmes for civil servants

Eno assured workers that his administration would continue to prioritise policies that enhance their welfare while sustaining development across the state.

He emphasised that investment in human capital remains central to building a productive civil service capable of driving economic growth.

The May Day celebration attracted workers from across ministries, departments and agencies MDAs, labour leaders, and government officials, highlighting the role of organised labour in shaping governance and development outcomes in the state.