Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Akwa Ibom State Council has called off the planned industrial action expected to commence on Monday, 15 September, 2025 over non- implementation of 32 per cent pension arrears to pensioners in the state.
However, the congress has given the state government a 21-days’ ultimatum to give room for healthy discussions aimed at resolving the matters.
This was contained a communiqué issued at the end of emergency State Executive Council (SEC) Meeting of the NLC held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the Workers’ Solidarity Centre, Atan Offot, Uyo and signed by the Chairperson of NLC, Akwa Ibom Council, Comrade Sunny James.
Related news: Akwa Ibom NLC to go on strike over non-implementation of Minimum wage
After exhaustive deliberations, the Council agreed to suspend the proposed protest/withdrawal of services for another 21 days to give room for healthy discussions aimed at resolving the matters.
This may not be unconnected the decisions and sabotaging plots by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and others, pulling out from the industrial action.
The Council agreed to consequently direct all workers and Pensioners to go about their normal duties without any fear whatsoever, while expecting more information as would be necessary in the coming days.
Rather, the SEC-in-Session praised Governor Umo Bassey Eno, for declaring a State-of-Emergency in the health Sector during the State Executive Council Meeting of Friday, September 12, 2025.
The Council noted the need to further extend the declaration of a State-of-Emergency to Education and Power Sectors of our economy considering their importance especially now that a summit on Power is underway.
The communiqué encouraged Council members for their commitment, the Governor and other well-meaning Akwa Ibomites on their efforts to resolve the impasse.
NULGE’s Position
NULGE, in a joint statement signed by the Akwa Ibom State President, Comrade Anestina Iweh and State Secretary, Comrade Ofunne Christopher Chidi, described the planned protest as a “personal vendetta.”
The union cited Gov. Umo Eno’s strides in clearing gratuity arrears from 2014-2018 and ongoing payments for 2019, prompt pension payments, settlement of leave grants, and payment of promotion arrears as reasons for their non-participation. “With these strides, NULGE sees no justification to participate in the proposed NLC protest,” the statement reads.
NULGE reaffirmed its loyalty to the governor, stating, “We stand firmly with the governor and pledge our continued solidarity with his administration.”
NUP’S Position
Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Akwa Ibom State Chapter has expressed displeasure over the planned protest, deeming the NLC’s step as “wrong.”
The pensioners noted that the major demand for a ₦32,000 pension increase had already been discussed with the Head of Service of Akwa Ibom State, Elder Effiong Essien on August 26, 2025.
”The implementation date is not yet due. We, therefore, direct all our members not to join the protest, but to await the outcome of the agreement already reached with the Head of Civil Service,” the union explained in a communiqué.
