…Govt, says all is set for implementation of promotions…”
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In a spirited address marking the 2024 May Day celebration, Comrade Ayuba Ismaila Oko, the Nasarawa State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), reiterated the union’s commitment to workers’ welfare. Emphasizing unity, he stated, “We shall not fail to maintain an open-door policy wherein each worker matters to us.”
Reflecting on the significance of May Day, Oko underscored the theme “People First” amid prevailing economic challenges. He lamented the adverse effects of fuel subsidy removal on the masses and called for urgent measures to alleviate their plight. “People must survive first to grow the economy of the country,” he stressed.
Commending the efforts of the Nasarawa State government under Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, Oko acknowledged the introduction of palliatives to cushion the effects of subsidy removal. He lauded initiatives such as direct cash disbursements to civil servants and pensioners, distribution of food items to vulnerable populations, and infrastructure development.
However, Oko highlighted areas needing attention, including the implementation of promotions, consequential adjustments to the minimum wage, and provision of buses for labor unions. He urged the state government to prioritize workers’ welfare, stating, “As workers who drive the economy of the State, a lot more needs to be done.”
Oko called on Nasarawa State workers to rededicate themselves to their duties while urging vigilance among residents to maintain security. “Security issues are everyone’s business,” he reminded, emphasizing the collective responsibility in maintaining law and order.
On his part, Comrade Mohammed Umar Doma, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Nasarawa State, emphasized the indispensable role of workers in sustaining humanity. With the theme “people first,” Doma underscored the need for policies prioritizing the welfare of the populace, particularly amidst prevailing economic challenges.
Acknowledging the efforts of the Nasarawa State government in prioritizing civil servants’ welfare, Doma commended the continuous payment of salaries, clearance of pension arrears, and various developmental projects. He expressed gratitude for the completion and commissioning of the State Secretariat, renamed Engr. A.A Sule Workers’ House, as a testament to the government’s commitment.
Addressing promises yet to be fulfilled, Doma urged the government to expedite the provision of CNG Buses to alleviate the impact of subsidy removal and fulfill commitments to the 500 Housing Estate, including healthcare and educational facilities. He also advocated for the conversion of qualified officers who pursued further education during a training embargo, emphasizing their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the service.
In an interview with the Chairman, Nasarawa State House of Assembly Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Comrade Suleiman Safiyanu Oshafu called on the Federal and State Governments to hasten the implementation of financial autonomy for state legislatures.
Comrade Oshafu who led other members of the association to Lafia Square, venue of the occasion said, implementation of financial autonomy for the state legislatures was long over due and need to be given topmost attention for effective and efficient service delivery.
He went further to commend Governor Abdullahi Sule for the payment of harzard allowance to health workers, recruitment of additional workforce into the state service, allocation of houses to deserving workers on owners occupancy basis, sustained payment of salary as well as increased in the retirement years for teachers from sixty to sixty five years.
He however appealed ” I want to appeal to the government to as a matter of fact look into the plight of civil servants in this present economic reality,the cost of living is high, prices of everything has skyrocketed, government should please implement the promotions and pay the minimum wage in order to reduce the hardship”.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state who was represented at the occasion by the Head of Service, Barr. Abigail Waya said, arrangements have been concluded towards implementation of promotions,adding that government has already commenced payment of harzard allowance for health workers.
The governor therefore stated that, government have adjusted the retirement age for teachers from sixty years to sixty five years along side the recruitment of more teachers, health workers for maximum productivity.
” We have recruited more than two thousand health workers, more teachers into the state service, we also recruited teaching and non teaching staff in tertiary institutions”
He emphasized on the state government commitment to training and retraining of workers for effective and efficient service delivery.