Palliatives: Niger NLC Receives 1,200 Bags of Rice

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The Niger State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has confirmed the receipt of 1,200 bags of rice in two trucks from the state government to be distributed as palliatives to civil servants in the state.

However, the Congress, it was learnt, had begun the distribution of the food items last weekend to only workers on level six and below.

In a letter jointly signed by the state NLC Chairman, Idris Lafene, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Leader, Ibrahim  Gana, sent to the permanent secretary of the establishment titled: ‘Distribution of Palliatives To Workers’, the Congress confirmed the receipt of the item and gave instructions on how it should be shared.

According to the document in possession of THISDAY, 40 percent of the consignment should go to the state government workers while the remaining 60 percent should be shared to local government workers

The letter read in part: “That in order for the quantity to be distributed for the benefit of the most vulnerable of workers, only those on grade levels six and below should be considered.

“That neither the Organised Labour nor government officials should benefit from the palliatives under any guise,” adding also that “by the estimate, the palliative should cover at least 30,000 beneficiaries who should each get between three and six ‘mudus’ (means of measurement) depending on the strength of the LGA/MDA.”

Two weeks ago, the State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago, released over N5.3 billion for the purchase of food items to be shared as palliatives in the 25 local government areas of the state.