Endorsement
… As Gov Diri approves 100% increase for Bayelsa retirees’ gratuity***
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State chapter, has assured the state Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu of their utmost support in his bid to get a second term in office.
NLC Chaiman in Lagos state, Ms Agnes Sessi gave the assurance in her address at the Worker’s Day Commemoration on Sunday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
The newsmen report that the event with the theme: “Labour Politics And New Quest For Good Governance And Development In Nigeria” has in attendance, members of the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC).
According to Sessi, this year’s workers’ day is a unique one as it coincides with Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
She commended Sanwo-Olu for being the first state to implement the payment of minimum wage to the workers.
She, however, noted that the harsh economic conditions had already eroded the euphoria of the minimum wage.
The NLC Lagos chairman lamented the high cost of transportation fares, foodstuff and house rents had become unbearable.
“The high cost of living has totally eroded the gains of the minimum wage.
We, therefore, ask for help in cushioning the adverse effects of the economic situations so that people can live up to their responsibilities.”
Commenting on the 2023 election, the NLC chairman said: “On behalf of the workers in Lagos who represent more than 50 per cent of the voting population, we hereby support your second term in office.
“We the workers are supporting you because you are the hope of the masses.
Workers in Lagos stand with you.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, you did not sack workers and even gave palliatives.
Even after the pandemic, you are still employing workers.
You were also prompt in paying salaries.
“This is not like that in other states.
Therefore, anywhere you go, we shall stand with you.”
Also speaking, the Lagos TUC Chairman, Comrade Olugbenga Ekundayo, charged all workers to be involved and proactive in the electioneering process.
He said: that elections were drawing near and the union would not sit back but be fully involved.
According to him, the day of reckoning is near, we shall be involved and unveil those who we will be supporting.
Ekundayo, however, commended Sanwo-Olu for his commitment and open-door policies to workers, adding that the state had what it took and should harness its resources in order to be a world-class state.
He applauded the governor for prioritising workers’ and pensioners’ welfare while urging him to provide free bus rides and free health care services for retirees.
The Lagos TUC chairman also advised workers on the need to give their all for the growth and development of the nation.
Newsmen report that the event was graced by a host of top government functionaries, the Body of Permanent Secretaries, Several unions, members of NLC and TUC amongst others.
In another development, Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa has approved an additional N200 million for the payment of pensioners’ gratuity for the month of May.
The governor gave the approval on Sunday at this year’s Workers’ Day celebration while responding to the demands of labour leaders in the state.
The newsmen report that Diri assured retirees that N400 million would be made available in May to accommodate a sizeable number of pensioners in view of the backlog of arrears.
The governor appreciated workers in the state for their support and the existing harmonious industrial relationship with his administration.
He said that his government would prioritise workers’ welfare to enhance productivity.
The governor also approved a number of the workers’ requests, including the implementation of the annual step increment as well as the release of funds for the conduct of the 2022 promotion for both the state and local government workers.
Diri also approved the financial implementation of the 2021 promotion for workers and directed the relevant government officials to negotiate with labour, to come up with feasible recommendations as soon as possible.
On payment of minimum wage to workers in tertiary institutions in the state, Diri explained that an implementation and revision committee had been set up under the leadership of his deputy, and the report was being awaited for full implementation.
“I am not unaware of the long queue for pensioners’ gratuity monthly. As you are aware, we are treating the backlog of payment of gratuity.
“Therefore, for the month of February, we have looked at the figure, and have come up with an addition. Monthly, we release N200 million for pension and gratuities.
“This month, we will add an additional N200 million. In other words, N400 million will be made available for the payment of pensions and gratuities.”
Diri also directed the Commissioner for Education, Gentle Emelah, to come up with recommendations for the monthly running cost of government-owned technical colleges for immediate implementation.
Also, the governor directed the relevant officials in the Ministry of Health to ensure the payment of call-duty allowance to specialist nurses as approved in 2014 in tandem with extant rules.
According to him, the administration will establish technical colleges across the eight local government areas of the state to train people as employers of labour, rather than becoming job seekers.
In a joint address by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), presented by the state NLC chairman, Mr John Ndiomu, labour was full of praises for the Diri administration’s workers-friendly posture.
The NLC and TUC applauded the governor for prompt payment of salaries and gratuities, infrastructure development, and numerous other projects that were ongoing across the state.
Ndiomu commended the state government for releasing N117 million monthly to support the payment of primary school teachers in local governments.
According to him, the complete implementation of the Oracle payment system at the state level and the building of a befitting edifice for the state’s media organisations are some of the achievements that have endeared Diri to workers in the state.
The high point of the celebration was the pronouncement of a cash award by the governor for the march past.
The state chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria clinched the first prize of N2 million, while the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives got the second prize of N1.5 million, and the third prize of N1 million went to the state branch of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners.
