Tinubu: Days of Worry for Nigerian Workers over Earning Living Wage Gone

•Says he doesn’t take workers’ patience, understanding, support for granted 

•Labour gives FG, states till May 31 to approve new wage or face showdown

•Govs salute, announce decision to honour pay raise for civil servants 

•Akpabio, senators, house members, others commend nation’s work force

By Our Correspondents

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, celebrated his first May Day as president, assuring the organised labour that the issues that prevented the tripartite committee on minimum wage from reaching a consensus would soon be resolved, and that workers’ days of worries over their living wage would be gone.

The president, who spoke while delivering his speech as Special Guest of Honour at this year’s May Day Commemoration ceremony at the Eagle Square, Abuja, also assured workers that his administration was open to the tripartite committee’s living wage above minimum wage.

Tinubu, who was represented at the ceremony by Vice President Kashim Shettima, with the message titled: “Solidarity in Action: Collaborative Governance, Empowered Workers,” called on labour to collaborate with his administration in its efforts to achieve growth and development for Nigeria.

But the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), have said they would not guarantee industrial peace if government failed to conclude negotiation on new minimum wage by the end May, this year.

At the same time, governors across the states of the federation, also celebrated the nation’s work force and announced their resolve to honour the pay raise for workers in appreciation of their contributions to the growth and development of the country.

Similarly, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, senators and members of the House of Representatives, among several other Nigerians, equally saluted the spirit and courage of the workers.

However, addressing the workers, Tinubu said, “You would recall that on January 30th, 2024, the federal government convened a 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage. The committee’s mandate was to provide counsel and suggest a national minimum wage that aligns with our current economic conditions.

“Since then, the committee, in collaboration with labour leaders, has been diligently working towards proposing a new National Minimum Wage. Unfortunately, despite concerted efforts, the committee was unable to reach a consensus at its last meeting. This shall be resolved soon and I assure you that your days of worrying are over.

“Indeed, this government is open to the committee’s suggestion of not just a minimum wage but a living wage. Great Nigerian Workers, we cannot achieve a just and equitable society that caters to the needs of every member, including the strong and the weak, without fostering peace and unity.

“Our shared vision for national growth and development can only be realised in an atmosphere of industrial harmony and peaceful coexistence in every segment of our country. The dividends we have promised the nation, and which you work tirelessly to ensure, can only be achieved when we all unite for progress.

“So, I call upon each and every one of you, as I have consistently done, to join hands in shaping the destiny of our nation towards greatness. Our allegiance and patriotism are the bedrock upon which our beloved country thrives.

“The success of our government’s policies and programmes hinges on the willingness of the workers, as the backbone of our workforce, to embrace them wholeheartedly. I appeal to you to continue using the power of the labour movement for the greater good of our nation, fostering harmony and cooperation.”

The president then called upon Labour and all Nigerians to place their faith in his administration to assuring them that all he’s been doing were in the interest of Nigeria and aimed at transforming it into a viable state, capable of providing for all its people.

“On this momentous day, I urge you and all our fellow citizens to place your trust in this administration. The seeds of greatness planted in our nation are beginning to bear fruit, and they promise a future filled with hope and bound by prosperity.

“Let me assure you, with the utmost sincerity, that every initiative undertaken by this administration is geared towards transforming Nigeria into a nation that can truly provide for its people,” he said.

While appreciating the organised labour, represented by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), he acknowledged their contributions to the smooth running of the state and how their efforts had contributed to salvaging the economy.

“Great Nigerian workers, your role as an indispensable component of the nation’s engine cannot be overstated by any government if the quest for a just and progressive society is to be realised. Therefore, I extend my most heartfelt congratulations to you on this very important celebration.

“I do not take for granted the understanding, patience, commitment, and support you have shown throughout the implementation of this government’s policies and programmes aimed at positively transforming our great nation. Your contributions have played a significant role in our efforts to rescue the economy since we came on board,” he said.

He further acknowledged the challenges that currently face the nation, including the menace of insecurity and assured of his administration’s resolve to end these challenges.

“We took office at the time many nations, including ours, were experiencing daunting socio-political and developmental challenges. Yet, we are resolute in confronting these obstacles head-on.

“The scourge of criminality, from banditry to kidnapping and the farmer-herder crises, alongside terrorism, continues to afflict our nation despite the tireless efforts of our armed forces.

“We are aware of the toll this takes on our economy. I assure you: we are fully committed to tackling these security challenges”, he further said.”

Also, in a release by Tinubu’s Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, he hailed the Nigerian workers for their fidelity to the peace, progress, and development of the nation evident in their tireless efforts and patriotic zeal to keep the national engine running.

He celebrated Nigerian workers across all spheres and affirmed that his administration remained committed to improving the welfare of all workers, noting the various relief programmes, including the wage award and the imminent minimum wage review.

The president believed that the custodians of the nation’s machinery deserved a fair wage and enhanced welfare, saying a labourer was deserving of not just any reward but fair and commensurate wages.

He, therefore, assured the Nigerian workers of his dedication to not only improving their welfare but also enhancing their working conditions and providing the necessary tools for them to succeed.

Labour Gives FG, States May 31 to Approve New Minimum Wage or Face Showdown

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), yesterday, said they would not guarantee industrial peace if government failed to conclude negotiation on new minimum wage by the end May, this year.

But the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said the issue of new minimum wage would have been concluded before the May deadline but the inability of the labour and government side to reach a consensus on the matter at their last meeting in April.

She however, assured workers that the federal government was determined to work with Labour leaders to reach an agreement on new national minimum wage that would reflect the country’s economic realities.

The position of labour was contained in a joint speech presented by the NLC president Joe Ajaero and President of TUC,  Festus Osifo at the ceremony to mark this year’s International Worker’s Day celebration in Abuja.

Ajaero, who read part of the speech said labour union would not allow other interests to sabotage the desire of President Bola Tinubu to give Nigerian workers a living wage.

He said organised labour would insist on its demand for the approval of N615,000 as new national minimum wage, adding that the two labour centres carried out wide research before arriving at the figure.

“We must not let our guards down but be on alert so that together, we can assist government take the right decision and pay workers a living wage as promised by our president, his Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his inaugural speech.

“We will not allow other interests to sabotage the desire of the president concerning a living wage for workers. If however, the negotiation of the national minimum wage is not concluded by the end of May, the Trade Union Movement of Nigeria will no longer guarantee industrial peace in the country,” he said.

On his part, Osifo said Labour was worried over the resurgent fuel scarcity and prolonged queues at petrol stations in parts of the country.

According to him, the unions believed that the inability of the government to fix the local refineries was at the heart of the persisting crisis in domestic fuel supply

He also expressed the concern of the Labour  movement over the recent hike in electricity tariff, warning that Nigerian workers would not not tolerate the unilateral increase in electricity tariff.

Addressing workers at the Eagles Square, venue of May Day rally, Onyejeocha said the minimum wage committee has been working tirelessly alongside Labour leaders to reach an agreement on a new National Minimum Wage that would reflect the country’s economic realities.

“Although the committee could not reach a consensus at its last meeting before the May deadline, we want to reassure Nigerian workers that we are working diligently around the clock with organised labour to conclude negotiations and ensure a successful outcome.

“Our commitment is unwavering: the Nigerian workers should rest assured that despite the short delay, the implementation of the new minimum wage will commence as stipulated by the law.”

Akpabio, Senators Greet Nigerian Workers

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured Nigerian workers that the National Assembly and the Executive arm of government would work collaboratively to give them a living wage and better working conditions.

The Senate President gave the assurance in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, to congratulate the workers as they commemorate the 2024 May Day.

Akpabio extolled the sterling qualities that stood out the Nigerian worker saying, “A Nigerian worker is noted for his patriotism, hard work, resilience, and dedication to duty.

“I am happy to be associated with the Nigerian worker in the last more than 25 years and I can attest to the fact that everywhere you go, the Nigerian worker’s spirit resonates profoundly.

“No Nigerian worker will again be allowed to work under inhuman conditions. We will do everything to give you the best because you deserve the best.”

Similarly, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, has celebrated the resilience, dedication, and unwavering spirit of Nigerian workers in the face of challenges.

President of the 9th Senate, Ahmad Lawan, commended President Bola Tinubu for giving his approval to a salary increase of between 25 and 35 per cent for civil servants on the six consolidated salary structures.

Lawan in a statement also tasked the federal government on upholding the rights and dignity of workers.

Obi Salutes Workers’ Resilience, Struggles

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has written to Nigeria Workers saluting their resilience and doggedness to ensure a better Nigeria.

In an open letter, Obi said he stood in solidarity with the workers in all their struggles.

“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.

“From the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene villages of the North, from the bustling markets of Onitsha to the bustling ports of Port Harcourt, your labor forms the foundation upon which our nation stands.”

Sanwo-Olu Promises to Pay Minimum Wage

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured workers in the state that his administration would implement the new minimum wage as approved by the federal government.

He made the commitment in response to the demands of the NLC and the TUC during the Workers’ Day celebration held yesterday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

Speaking also on the current fuel scarcity, Sanwo-Olu advised Lagos residents against panic buying and storage of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, saying the federal government and the major stakeholders in the oil sector were working round the clock to end the fuel scarcity.

He said he had received assurances from the authorities that there was enough fuel at tank stations, and the distribution of the product would be intensified to ease the current fuel scarcity across the country.

Sanwo-Olu promised to look at some of the demands of the various unions in the state, saying his administration would continue to ensure good welfare packages for all the workers in the State.

“This year’s theme, ‘People First,’ resonates deeply with our administration’s philosophy, which is underpinned by our firm belief in prioritizing the welfare of our people,” he said.

Diri Sets Up C’ttee on New Minimum Wage

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has set up a committee to work out modalities for the  implementation of a new minimum wage for workers in the state civil service.

The committee is headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, while the Head  of Service, Mrs. Biobelemoye Charles-Onyeama; the Commissioner for Finance, Maxwell Ebibai; his Labour, Productivity and Employment counterpart, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai; and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, were members.

The committee has till the end of May 2024 to submit its report.

Diri made the pronouncement at the 2024 Workers Day celebration at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, yesterday.

The governor assured them that his administration would implement a new minimum wage once the committee submitted its report and he made a pronouncement on wage increase, saying the state workers always had emoluments as their federal counterparts.

He stressed that the welfare of workers had always been a top priority of his administration as attested to by the numerous worker-friendly policies he initiated.

Oyebanji: I Won’t Dash Our Workers’ Hope

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has assured workers in the state that his government would not dash their hope on the impending new minimum wage, saying he would act appropriately when the ongoing discussion was finalised at the federal level.

Dousing workers’ skepticism over government’s sincerity, Oyebanji said his government would not stop the N15,000 wage award being paid to workers to cushion the effect of the inflation, pending the time the new minimum wage becomes effective.

Oyebanji gave the assurance while addressing workers, at a rally marking the 2024 edition of the May Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, yesterday.

Energizing the workers’ hope despite the increase in prices of commodities, Oyebanji said his government, had implemented wage increase and consequential adjustment for workers on grade 13 and above, while also paying deductions to cooperatives in order to alleviate their sufferings.

The Governor, who was accompanied by his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; and Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; said about 20,000 job seekers, had been employed into formal  and informal sectors of the economy, with succour being provided in the form of conditional cash grants and other palliatives to mitigate the effects of the ongoing economic crises on workers and other citizens.

Abiodun: We’ll Meet Labour over New Wage

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said his administration would do all in its power to come up with a decision on the new minimum wage.

The governor said a meeting with labour leaders in the state would be held with a view to arriving at a decision favourable to both the government and the workers.

The governor, who made this known during the year 2024 Worker’s Day celebration and rally, tagged: ‘People First’, also added that his administration had paid a total of N128.3 billion as pensions and gratuities to both local and state government retirees in the state.

“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 organized labour leaders to finalize the Ogun State Government Minimum decision,” he said.

Obaseki: Over 5,000 Recruited Into Service

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin  Obaseki, has announced that he had recruited over 5,000 workers into the state civil service since the inception of his administration in the past seven and a half years.

Obaseki, who disclosed this while delivering his good will message to the workers in the state to mark the May Day ceremony in Benin City, said he had been able to turn the fortune of the state and its workforce around by keeping to his electioneering promises.

“One of the things I promised in 2016 that I was going to build our institution for governance and today, we can proudly say that workers have had means to achieve the modest institutional reform which we have now achieved in Edo State.

“With your support, we have been able to recruit over 5,000 new workers into the Edo State service based on merit and no longer on favouritism as it used to be. Now, you don’t have to know anybody to get work in government in Edo you just need to know something,” he said.

Obaseki has also said the N70,000 new minimum wage for workers was within what his administration could afford, noting that the increase became necessary as a result of the current economic realities.

“Two days ago, I announced that we have raised the minimum wage for Edo workers from N40,000 to N70,000 naira, an increase of over 75 per cent. This is because we know and feel the pains and hardship which most of you experience daily,” he said.

Ebonyi: Nwifuru Increases Workers’ Salaries

Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru, has added additional N10,000 to the salaries of Ebonyi workers.

The governor had increased the workers’ salary on assumption of office last year with N10,000, totalling N20,000 within one year.

In his speech during the 2024 Workers’ Day in Abakaliki, Nwifuru also approved and released the list of newly employed 1,700 workers, including the Judiciary and Legislature, as screened and published by the State’s Civil Service Commission.

“Let me fully assure you, that regular promotion and prompt payment of salaries, pension and gratuities will continue as it is today. Presently, we pay salaries, pension and gratuities as at when due. As you know, we are not owing gratuities and pension to any worker in our State.

“I particularly salute the resilient, focused and productive workers of our great State, Ebonyi. Your commitment and sacrifices are unmatched,” he said.

Sani to Workers: My Administration Will Continue to Prioritise Your Welfare

The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has said his administration would continue to prioritise workers’ welfare and equip them appropriately within available resources.

In his address marking workers day at the Murtala Square, Kaduna, Sani said his government was training and retraining workers to put them in good stead to contribute effectively to the economic development of Kaduna state.

He disclosed that as part of economic empowerment packages for the state civil servants, the government recently commenced the implementation of N500m revolving loan scheme for workers.

According to him, a strategic partnership with the Labour unions has been initiated to advance the interests of workers and improve the living conditions of the poor and vulnerable.

Sani described this year’s theme for the celebration – ‘People First’- as apt, noting that development was about the people.

Bago: Niger’ll Pay New Wage Increase Announced By Tinubu

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has pledged to pay to workers the new salary increase announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Bago, at a forum organised by the NLC in Niger State, said the workers deserved better deal.

Speaking through the state Head of Service, Bago said the payment would be with immediate effect but asked for more commitment to duty from workers.

Also, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa representing Niger East Senatorial district in the National Assembly  commended the president for increasing workers and pensioners’ salaries by 35% and 28 %.

In a statement, he said the increase would ameliorate the problems being faced by workers and pensioners to some extent.

Otu Increases C’River’s Wage to N40,000

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Out, has announced a new minimum wage of N40,000 for the state workers.

Announcing this at the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar, where he joined the Workers Day celebration, Otu said the increase in the new minimum wage aligned 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 the unfavorable State GDP to Debt servicing ratio, the new wage implementation is in line with the realities of the time rather than sentiments,” Otu said.

Otu stated that under his administration, payment of salaries and workers and pension entitlement remained a first-line charge.

Aiyedatiwa: We’ll Continue to Promote Industrial Peace

Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said his administration would continue to promote industrial peace and operate an open and transparent governance, with the welfare of workers as a major priority of his administration.

He stated this while addressing workers during the celebration of the 2024 Worker’s Day at the Gani Fawehimi Freedom Arcade, along Igbatoro road in Akure.

Aiyedatiwa expressed his delight in celebrating his first Workers’ Day as the Governor of Ondo State, emphasising the importance of the event amidst preparations for the upcoming gubernatorial election in the State.

Reflecting on the state’s record of industrial peace, he said the modest achievements of his administration could not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of workers.

“In demonstration of our commitment to the welfare of workers in the State, our administration is giving priority attention to regular payment of salaries and pensions, steady payment of gratuity and payment of backlog of salaries. This has brought relief to both serving and retired officers,” he said.

Fubara Promises Salary Increase, Gifts Workers N100m

Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the state work force that he would implement the salary increase as recently approved by the federal government.

Fubara, who gave the assurance during activities to commemorate the 2024 International Workers Day, held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, said implementation of the increase would take effect as soon as the parameters were made available.

The governor stated how his administration was concerned about the poor state of the nation’s economy, with the attendant rising inflation, which he explained had impacted adversely on the purchasing power and well-being of the average workers and their families.

“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.”

APC, House Commend Workers’ Sacrifice

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the House of Representatives, have commended the resilience, sacrifice, diligence and patriotism of Nigerian workers and celebrate their invaluable contribution to the building and sustenance of our nation’s economic life.

National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, in a statement, said President Bola Tinubu-led administration remained resolute in its commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian workers.

“We applaud the resilience, sacrifice, diligence and patriotism of Nigerian workers and celebrate their invaluable contribution to the building and sustenance of our nation’s economic life. 

“Nigerian workers deserve the best quality of life that our nation can offer,  which in turn secures our collective aspirations for total and sustainable economic growth and transformation.”

The House also commended the workers for their contributions to the growth and development of our dear country.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity, Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati and the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon.  Akin Rotimi, it said the decades preceding Nigeria’s independence, and in the fight for the entrenchment of democracy, the contributions of the labour movement and indeed, the Nigerian workers were replete in the history books.

“With zeal and resilience, you continue to make sacrifices for our progress so far,” the House said.

Also, the Minority caucus of the House has revealed that it had commenced the drive for a living wage for Nigerian workers against the minimum wage offered by the government.

Its Leader, Hon. Kingsely Chinda, reaffirmed minority caucus collective responsibility to advocate for a fairer, more inclusive society where every worker is treated with dignity and respect.

Anambra Workers Angry over Soludo’s Absence at Rally

Anambra workers yesterday expressed anger over the absence of Governor Chukwuma Soludo at their rally.

Soludo was represented at the Alex Ekwueme Square by the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim.

The workers said Soludo stayed away from the function because he was afraid of addressing the long list of needs presented by the NLC and TUC, insisting  he was not a worker-friendly governor.

The workers, who initially refused to file out for the usual match past which has become synonymous with the rally, said Soludo’s absence was deliberate.

They repeatedly shouted “No” to appeal for them to file out for the match-past, insisting that Soludo has never attended worker’s function since he became governor, but they eventually undertook the match past, albeit grudgingly.

The deputy governor, who later addressed the protesting workers after several efforts to calm their nerves, assured the workers that their grievances would soon be addressed.

ATSSSAN Laments Death of 5 Nigerian Airways Pilot, Others in 7 Days Without Pay

The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), has described as unfortunate, the death of five former staff of the defunct Nigerian Airways, who passed on within the last seven days without receiving their final severance packages promised them by the federal government since the liquidation of the airline by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

ATSSSAN noted that over a hundred former workers of the country’s national airline has died since the last verification and part payment exercise carried out during the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in 2019.

Speaking at the May 1st  2024 Workers Day celebration at the ATSSSAN Secretariat in Lagos, First Vice President of the association, Comrade Emmanuel Jaja, urged the federal government to settle all the outstanding severance benefits of the elsewhere Nigeria carrier workers, whom he said put in the greater part of their life in the service of their Fatherland.

Also, Jaja said the labour union kicked against the recent increase in electricity tariff in the country amidst the epileptic power supply in the nation.

The ATSSSAN leader lamented that the country was currently grounded following the ongoing fuel supply challenges saying the labour body is studying the situation.

Kano Workers Bemoan Backlog of N75bn Unremitted Pension

The Kano State Chapter of the NLC, has described the backlog of unremitted pension of workers contributions by some organisations as alarming, with a staggering accumulation of over N75 billion as of May 2023 last year.

The State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Kabiru Inuwa, disclosed this during May Day celebration to commemorate International Workers’ day.  He said the non-remittance of workers pension posed a serious threat to the financial security of retirees.

“The non-remittance lead to deductions of pension thus non-payment of full pension for years,” the NLC said, adding it was sure if elaborative analysis of the back log was done and a strategy to recoup the money was put in place, the accrued benefits could be settled within few years.

“While we commend the present administration for commencing full payment of pension, we demand that all defaulting government institutions shall commence paying the back log to enable settlement of retirement and death benefit,” they said.

In his response, Governor Yusuf represented by his Deputy Aminu Abdulsalam said, government would sustain its efforts in promoting workers’ welfare through prompt payment of salaries, promotion and recruitment.

Mbah Most Worker-friendly Gov, Enugu Workers Declare

The organised labour in Enugu State, has commended governor of the state, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his many achievements in improving the wellbeing of the people and workers of the state, describing him as a “promise keeper” and “the most worker-friendly governor in Nigeria.”

The workers also commended Mbah for his many policies, programmes, and projects, which they said were turning the state around in record time.

This was as Mbah, has renewed his commitment to the welfare of the people and workers, restating his resolve to go beyond the immediate palliatives.

Mbah, who spoke through his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, listed such as wage awards to create wealth, functional systems and institutions that drastically reduce the burdens that currently drain workers’ income.

The workers, however, gave Mbah the commendations through the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, Comrade Ben Asogwa, and his Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) counterpart, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, during the May Day celebration at Okpara Square, Enugu, on Wednesday.

Labour Congress Hails Benue Government for Prioritising Workers’ Welfare

The Nigerian Labour Congress, Benue State Council, has passed a vote of confidence in Governor Hyacinth Alia of the state.

This, they claimed, was in recognition of the governor’s deliberate prioritisation of workers’ welfare and growth as evident in the prompt and regular payment of workers salaries, as well as pensions and gratuities to retirees.

Speaking at the 2024 Workers’ Day Celebration held at IBB Square, Makurdi, Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress, Benue State Council, Comrade Terungwa Igbe, thanked Alia for demonstrating uncommon passion for the welfare of civil servants in Benue State.

Igbe said for the past three years, they had not gathered to celebrate Workers’ Day since their times were punctuated with non-payment of salaries and pensions, lack of promotions and absence of gratuities.

Governor Alia, in his response expressed delight to have joined Trade Union Congress (TUC), NLC as well as all workers across Benue to mark this Year’s May Day.

The governor said without the workforce, governments, institutions and society in its entirety, could not function, stressing that every worker deserved their wages; and that he considered it a crime not to pay employees their due emoluments.

Resist Anti-people Tendencies, PDP Charges Nigerian Workers

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday,  congratulated Nigerian workers on this Year’s International Workers’ Day, and charged them to use their resilient spirit to resist all anti-people tendencies that sought to compromise and undermine the democratic tenets of freedom, Rule of Law, accountability and probity in the country.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, saluted Nigerian workers for remaining steadfast as “real drivers of the national economy despite the asphyxiation and life-discounting conditions occasioned by the ill-implemented economic and fiscal policies of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

“Our Party is deeply distraught that Nigerian workers and indeed millions of other citizens have, in the last nine years been subjected to misery, harrowing economic hardship and worsening insecurity by the rudderless and insensitive APC administrations, which have wrecked the nation’s productive sectors and brought distress to our national life.”

The PDP condemned the continuing increase in electricity tariff and price of petroleum products with petrol now selling at over N1000 per liter in various parts of the country, a situation that has resulted in increase in the cost of living and worsened the economic hardship in the country.

“As the Party of the people, the PDP demands that the APC-led federal government ends its insensitivity towards Nigerians and use the occasion of the Workers’ Day to review all its retrogressive policies and take urgent action towards addressing issues that have direct bearing to the welfare of the citizens,” it stated.