Some governors yesterday joined workers in their state capitals to celebrate May 1, an annual global event to recognise workers’ achievements.
From Ikeja, Lagos State to Yola in Adamawa State; and Ibadan, Oyo State to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, civil servants openly showed happiness as their governors announced their preparedness to pay a new minimum wage to be announced soon by the Federal Government. Cross River State workers were told at the celebration ground in Calabar that the lowest earners among them would from this month go home with N40,000.
While Ebonyi State civil servants got a 10 percent pay rise, their colleagues in Ogun, Delta, and Bayelsa states were told that appropriate wages to be paid to them were being worked out by committees.
In states like Delta, Taraba, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Imo, Plateau, Kaduna, and Enugu, the governors highlighted their efforts so far at bettering workers’ welfare and their desire to do more.
For instance, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State announced the commencement of housing loan disbursement to civil servants while Uba Sani of Kaduna State said a N500 million loan scheme would be unveiled for workers in the state.
The governors who described well-motivated workers as catalysts for the growth and industrial development of any society, however, enjoined them to be more dedicated.
Athough labour leaders in some of the states hailed the governors for improving their workers’ welfare, they, like Oliver Twist, said they could do better.
Celebrating with the workers at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan,
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said his administration had demonstrated that ‘’the interest and welfare of the people come first and remain the ultimate goal’’ of all its actions.
In a statement titled ‘’Workers’ Day: Sanwo-Olu promises to pay new minimum wage,’’ the governor ‘’praised all the committed, dedicated, resilient, and passionate workers for their contributions across all sectors in building and shaping the state, even in the face of challenges.’’
Sanwo-Olu also spoke on the lingering fuel scarcity, also listed social services being delivered by his administration to make life better for residents.
He reiterated that he received assurances from the authorities that there was enough fuel at tank stations for distribution to retail outlets.
On social services, the governor said: “This year’s theme, ‘People First,’ resonates deeply with our administration’s philosophy, which is underpinned by our firm belief in prioritising the welfare of our people.
“Through various measures, policies, and initiatives, we have demonstrated that the interest and welfare of the people come first and remain the ultimate goal of all our actions.
‘’Our response actions are geared towards mitigating the impact of these trying times and offering support to both our workers and citizens alike.
“We have been steadfast and intentional in implementing our social intervention programmes, providing crucial assistance to those in need throughout the state. From subsidised food items through our Ounje Eko, and Eko Cares initiatives, to incentives on social services, we have made tangible differences in countless lives.
“Healthcare initiatives that ensure access to quality medical services for all, transportation support, and educational opportunities for our children exemplify our commitment to creating a Lagos where everyone has a fair chance to thrive. Our dedication to putting people first extends beyond mere words.
“As we look towards the future, I want to reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society in which the interests of workers receive the attention it deserves.’’
Chairperson of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Council, Funmi Sessi, and her Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Gbenga Ekundayo, praised Sanwo-Olu for making workers’ welfare a priority of his administration.
Sanwo-Olu’s counterpart in Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, said his administration would do all in its power to come up with a decision on a new wage.
Abiodun said a meeting with labour leaders in the state would be held to arrive at a decision that would be favourable to both the government and the workers.
He added that his administration has paid N128.3 billion as pension and gratuities to both local and state government retirees.
“On minimum wage, your ever-responsive administration has done a lot of work, which is aimed at arriving at a position that we can sustain in line with our inclusive style of governance.
“We will soon be calling a meeting with the organised labour leaders to finalize the Ogun State Government Minimum decision,” Abiodun said.
Oyo
In Ibadan, Governor Makinde, who also assured of his readiness to key into the planned national wage, said his administration had been responsive to workers’ welfare.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, added that his government would not fail in the payment of salaries and pensions on or before 25th of every month.
He commended the workers for ensuring an atmosphere devoid of incessant industrial actions
Makinde also urged the workers to reciprocate his administration’s good gesture by being more dedicated and committed.
The celebration took place at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Ibadan, the state capital.
Governor Otu, who announced N40,000 new wage for the least-paid workers in the state, appealed to workers for patience over the gratuity backlog
He explained that the new wage aligns with the realities of the time in the state rather than sentiments.
“Owing to the peculiarity of Cross River State regarding its lean finances occasioned by low statutory federal allocation and aggravated by unfavourable state GDP(Gross Domestic Product) to debt servicing ratio, the new wage implementation is in line with the realities of the time rather than sentiments,” he said at the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar, the state capital.
On the gratuity backlog which dates back to 2014, the governor said : “Government is presently on the verge of concluding necessary arrangements for the staggered payment of outstanding gratuity to its retired workers.”
He goodwill and solidarity with the workers and emphasised the importance of a strong relationship between the government and its workforce to create wealth and improve livelihoods.
The governor called for increased productivity among workers, highlighting the importance of reciprocating the government’s efforts.
NLC chairman in the state, Gregory Olayi and his counterpart in the TUC, Monday Ogbodum, called for prompt attention to promotions of civil servants, payment of gratuity to retirees and recruitment to the state civil service.
Governor Hope Uzodimma promised to implement the new minimum wage when approved.
“As soon as the committee finishes their job and the Federal Government approves it, Imo will be one of the first states to be guided by that decision,” the governor promised.
He noted that the least-paid worker in the state takes home N40,000 above the current minimum wage of N30,000.
He said retired permanent secretaries and workers have been paid their gratuities.
Governor Umo Eno declared every first and third Friday of the month as work-free days to enable workers to engage in farming.
Eno said N16.1 billion has so far been released for the payment of arrears of gratuity.
He ordered the immediate release of billions to further defray the backlog.
“We will continue to do our best to ensure that workers’ welfare receives priority attention,” he said.
Governor Caleb Muftwang said his administration had cleared over N11 billion salary arrears it inherited from his predecessor and established a reliable system for salary disbursement.
These, according to him, had restored the morale and stability of the state workers.
Mutfwang, who was represented at the event by the Head of Service, Rauta Dakok,said the government had been intentional in taking decisions to minimise the economic hardship faced by the people .
“While the timely payment of salaries is a fundamental responsibility rather than an achievement, we reaffirm our commitment to the welfare of our workers. Efforts to address outstanding gratuities, death benefits, and pension backlogs dating back to 1986 commenced in December 2023. We pledge to continue these endeavours within the scope of our available resources,’’ he told the workers at the Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos.
Eugene Manji, the state chairman of the NLC lamented that bad leadership put Nigeria in its current economic crisis.
He requested the implementation of the circular on domestic allowance officers on GT 15 and 16 at the state and local government levels.
In Asaba, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, said his administration would set up a committee to look into workers’ demand for salary increase.
He commended the workers for their support and industrial harmony across the state.
His words: “I have listened attentively to your requests and I have taken note of same; they are, no doubt, legitimate demands and as a responsible government, I will deliberate with my team on how best to address them within the limits of resources available to us.
“As a government, we have prioritised the welfare of our workforce because it is my belief that a happy and well-motivated workforce is not only a catalyst for the growth and industrial development of any society but also the bedrock for extended family setting and communal cohesion.
“This administration has already demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of serving and retired civil servants and we will continue to do so through our policies and actions.’’
Ofobruku on behalf of the organised labour praised Oborevwori for honouring workers by attending the event in person.
He commended the governor for his commitment to the welfare of workers and pensioners and pledged their continued support for his administration’s MORE Agenda.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who promised to implement the new minimum wage being put in place by the Federal Government, acknowledged workers as critical human resource that ontributes immensely to the sustained long-term economic growth of the state.
Fubara said: “We promised not to neglect the interest and well-being of our workers within the limits of available resources, and we have not faltered on this promise.
“Let me assure you that we are going to work with the Federal Government to implement necessary measures, including the continuation of the free bus services and the provision of necessary palliatives to ameliorate the current hardship faced by ordinary citizens.
“We are also committed to implementing the increase in workers’ salaries recently approved by the Federal Government as soon as the parameters are made available.’’
The governor was bestowed with an award as the Labour Champion of Rivers State and named the most labour- friendly governor.
*Anambra
Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s absence from the Alex Ekwueme square in Awka, venue of the May Day celebration, infuriated the workers who had hoped to channel their demands directly to him.
They declined to hold march past when called upon by the Master of Ceremony but elected to boo Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezim, who was there as Soludo’s representative.
The workers claimed that Soludo deliberately did not attend the rally because he was afraid of addressing a long list of NLC and TUC demands.
They repeatedly shouted “No” to the appeal for the march past, insisting that their morale was low.
The deputy governor, who later addressed the workers after they were calmed down , assured that their grievances would soon be addressed.
“Governor Soludo as a worker-friendly governor is aware of your plights. You will definitely hear from him soon,” he said.
Earlier, the workers called on Soludo to suspend the deduction of the contributory pension from their salaries to ensure industrial harmony in the state.
They also expressed worry over what they called improper introduction and implementation of the contributory pension scheme.
In Minna, Governor Mohammed Bago said that his government was working hard to increase the salary of workers and improved welfare the welfare of other residents of the state.
Bago, who was represented by the state’s Head of Service, Salisu Abubakar, appealed to labour unions to show some understanding with the government as it work out strategies to address some of their demands.
The state chapter of the NLC left the usual worker’s parade for prayers and lectures in honour of the two of its late former chairmen, Adams Erena and Yahaya Ndako.
The session and lectures which held at the Justice Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna.
In the two states, the NLC called on the state governments to address the welfare of some pensioners, who they said received less pension that is not more than N4,000.
While the state chapter in Enugu said some retirees receive only N1,000 monthly, the Borno chapter said it is N4,000 for some in the state.
Governor Peter Mbah, who was represented by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, empathised with Nigerian workers in the current hardship they face.
He stated that his administration was aware of their challenges but pleaded for their understanding and more patience.
On pensioners that were yet to be paid in various parastatals and corporations, the governor promised to look into the matter.
In Bauchi, Governor Bala Mohammed reaffirmed his administration’s commitment at improving civil servants’ welfare.
He assured that his government would do everything possible to make sure that the Civil Service remained vibrant and result- oriented .
“We have in the last few months introduced Service Charter contract to be executed between the State Government on the one hand and the civil servant on the other hand. That informed our decision to promote the best hands within the service to the position of Permanent Secretaries in strict compliance with State Character, so that all can be carried on board,” said Mohammed who was represented by his Deputy, Mohammed Jatau,
•Kaduna
At the Murtala Mohammed Square in Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani flagged-off the implementation of a N500million revolving loan for civil servants.
The governor, who symbolically presented dummy cheques of the loan to some workers , said more economic empowerment initiatives would soon be unfolded for workers.
The governor also assured the labour unions that his government would continue to prioritise workers’ welfare .
He added: “As part of our economic empowerment packages for Kaduna State civil servants, we have commenced the implementation of the N500 million revolving loan scheme. Other economic empowerment initiatives will soon be unfolded for workers in Kaduna State.
‘’We are attracting investments to create job opportunities for our citizens. We are training and retraining workers to put them in good stead to contribute effectively to the economic development of our dear state.’’
NLC in the state workers demanded payment of the backlog of N75 billion that accumulated since 2023.
It also asked for autonomy for the third tier of government and payment of wage award by the government of Abba Yusuf.
“The issue of the backlog of unremitted pension contributions by some organisations is alarming, with a staggering accumulation of over 75 billion as of May 2023.
‘’The much-sought local government autonomy is crucial to the development of our state. It is pertinent to solicit the support of Kano state government in partnering with the agitators to make local government autonomy a reality,” said the congress Chairman , Kabiru Inuwa.
Governor Kefas re-emphasised his desire to ensure that workers and pensioners in the state got their dues regularly.
“Payment of gratuity and regular payment of pensions is a must because a worker is worthy of his wages. I have given order for prompt payment of salaries and implementation of promotions” he told workers at the Jolly Nyame Stadium Jalingo venue of the May Day celebration.
Kefas added that his administration recognises the need for reforms to streamline administrative processes and therefore called for support from the workers.
NLC Chairman in the state Peter Jediel, urged the Kefas government to continue to put the people first before any other thing.
He also called on the governor to address pending issues bordering on capturing of retired teachers and local government workers for pensions.
Other demands are payment of withheld union dues by the immediate past administration, settlement of arrears of local government workers, staff promotion for local government and primary school teachers as well as the disparity in the payment arising from implementation of the minimum wage.
Governor Dikko Radda expressed deepest appreciation to all the incredible workers across Katsina,’’ adding their dedication and tireless efforts were what drove the state forward
He said: ‘’ I join all workers across our great state in celebrating your dedication and immense contributions to building a better Katsina.
‘’My administration is dedicated to improving the lives of all Katsina residents. We are diligently working on on-going labour reforms that prioritize worker safety and wellbeing, particularly as our climate evolves.
‘’We share your concerns about food insecurity and the broader security challenges we face. ‘’My administration is taking significant steps to address the lingering hunger through the food task force and other agricultural programmes.’’
Workers demanded the state government’s clampdown on dealers sabotaging fuel distribution in the state
Governor Umar Namadi, represented by his Deputy, Aminu Usman, congratulated the workers on the May Day celebration.
He explained that his administration had introduced agricultural policy for workers and retirees to enable them survive.
On their part, the workers called on state government to ensure that the migration to the IPPMS payment platform was conducted in such a way that they would not affected by any hidden charges, unnecessary bottlenecks.
“When civil servants smile , the whole state smiles; when the economy of civil servants improves, the state’s economy improves; and when civil servants in Jigawa state suffer , the whole state suffers , “ they said.
Atiku, Obi hail demand better welfare packages for workers
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last year’s election, Atiku Abubakar and his counterpart in the Labour Party, Peter Obi, have showered praises on the workers .
Both leaders, in a separate message yesterday, acknowledged their contributions to the nation’s growth even as they recognised the struggles the workers have faced in getting the rewards due to them.
According to Atiku, as the workers join their counterparts across the world today to celebrate International Workers Day, “it is a sobering truth that the plight of the Nigerian worker remains dire.”
Obi hailed the workers steadfast even in the face of adversity and challenges.
The former Anambra State governor said: “As we come together to celebrate Workers’ Day, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and admiration for each and every one of you who continue to stand tall and steadfast in your commitment to building our great nation, even in the face of adversity and challenges.
“Today, as we honour the hard work, dedication, and resilience of workers across the country and beyond, I am reminded of the incredible strength and spirit that defines us as a people.
“Despite the countless obstacles and hurdles that may stand in our way, you, the backbone of our society, remain unwavering in your resolve to contribute to the growth and development of our beloved nation.’’