Labour Day: Workers’ Welfare Top Priority, Say Umahi, FCT Minister

Jaiyeola Andrews in Abuja and Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

Workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were on Sunday assured that their welfare would continue to receive the highest attention under the present administration.

The FCT Minister , Mohammed Bello, who gave the assurance on Labour Day celebration at the Eagle Square, Abuja, said all necessary measures had been put in place to ensure the sustainability of an enduring welfare package for workers.

Similarly, the Ebonyi state Governor, Engr. David Umahi, on Sunday reassured workers in the state that his administration was still committed to their welfare, stressing that he would fulfill all his promises made to them during his election.

The governor who stated this during the Workers Day celebration in Abakaliki, also reassured the workers that the state government would look into some of the concerns raised by the Organized Labour in the state.

The FCT minister noted while eulogising the workers for their remarkable contributions to nation- building that labour was the goose that lays the golden egg, pointing out that FCTA has evolved various policies intended to ensure adequate welfare and conducive working environment for the workforce.

“I make bold to say that, because of the high premium we place on workers’ welfare, this administration ensures regular payment of salaries and allowances to our workers; in the same vein we have ensured that housing allowances are paid as at when due, while deserving staff have received their promotions. Aside these, my administration places a high premium on staff training and retraining.

“This is with a view to giving incentives to our workers and ensuring optimal service delivery” he said.

According to him, May Day is celebrated globally to mark the sacrifices of workers towards building a better world, adding that it highlights the contributions which workers have consistently made to ensure a world where values of social justice and employment rights are fully protected.

Umahi, who was represented by his deputy,Dr kelechi Igwe urged the workers not to lose faith in the government as their welfare still remained a priority.

Earlier, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ikechukwu Nwafor, who read the NLC and Trade Union Congress Joint address expressed dismay that Umahi was not doing anything to improve their welfare despite the overwhelming support he enjoyed from them in realizing his governorship ambition.