May Day: Migrate from protest unionism to development - oriented, Soludo urges workers

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By Madu Obi

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has urged the organized labour to make a fundamental shift from traditional "protest unionism" to a model focused on national development and wealth creation.

Addressing workers during the 2026 workers' day celebration at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, the governor called for a more collaborative relationship between the state government and its workforce.

"I leave a message with you: our labour unions should head towards development-oriented unionism and do away with protest unionism. I know the origin of unionism. We are in the business of making demands and that is why agreements did not work in the past", he said.

According to him, for the state to thrive, labour must become a partner in wealth creation, rather than a mere adversary in negotiations, advising workers to be the change they wish to see.

"What have you done as a union to ensure that the workers themselves are delivering their services?, he asked the union officials. "Do your own part; don’t abdicate it", he urged them.

Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, Governor Soludo noted that the feedback from his campaigns in Anambra markets had been overwhelmingly one of gratitude, arguing that the state government policies provide a "holistic benefit" to all the nine million residents of the state, including the organized labour force.

He also highlighted key achievements in infrastructure, such as in road construction, healthcare especially the free antenatal care and delivery services, as well as economic stability, noting that the South East is officially "back to work, with the end to the 'sit-at-home' syndrome" in the zone.

"When we lift the boat for everyone, the Anambra workers are the greatest beneficiaries," the governor stated, affirming his commitment to continued investment.

While acknowledging that resources are not infinite, Governor Soludo signaled that more help is on the way for the social sectors, stating that his administration has already recruited more teachers at once, than total numbers in previous administrations.

He promised to recruit more teachers as soon as possible, citing education and health as the pillars of Anambra’s future.

"When our resources improve, sooner or later, our schools will get more attention- we must prioritize it", Soludo said amidst cheers from the workers.

He also did not shy away from the need for reforms within the civil service, adding that to ensure that productivity matches the state's investments, government would intensify the deployment of technology for monitoring worker attendance.

"We must reinvent our public service, but people have to show up," Governor Soludo insisted. He expressed his affinity for the workforce while maintaining a firm stance on productivity: "I love the workers. We will get to it, [but] we have to do more to demand for more", he concluded.

Speaking on behalf of organized labour, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, emphasized that the core of their struggle remains the pursuit of fairness, dignity, and equity in the workplace.

Comrade Nwafor advocated for fair remuneration, job security, and social protection for all members, lamenting that persistent insecurity has continued to weaken the foundation of development, thus forcing many workers into a survival mode.

He called for security to be significantly strengthened to protect the workforce, which informed the choice of the theme.

While acknowledging the various challenges, the chairman recognized and applauded Governor Soludo for his bold vision for Anambra State, assuring that organized labour would continue to stand with his administration in a constructive manner.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, among others.