From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has approved car Refurbishing Loan of N500,000 for each worker in the state civil service.
The Refurbishing Loan which will be disbursed in batches will be implemented before the end of year 2022.
The Governor announced the approval while speaking at this year’s May Day celebration held in Lokoja, the state capital on Sunday.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to Kogi State Government, Dr. Folashade Ayoade, asked the Organized Labour in the State to see Government and Labour as Partners in progress.
Gov. Bello also promised continued regular payment of salaries and pensions to workers and pensioners in the state.
Gov. Bello thanked the organized labour for their commitment to industrial Peace.
While pointing out that he remained a strong advocates of better pay for workers, said that it informed his reason to implement the new minimum wage for workers.
The Governor who acknowledged the payment of percentage salaries to workers at the LGA level, said it was due to the heavy level of over staffing which he assured will be addressed soon.
Gov. Bello dispelled the rumour making the round that the state government is planning retrenchment or downsizing of its workforce, expressed sympathy with Nigerians and workers that since 2019 cost of living has been tough, particularly for workers in the public sector owing to the rising cost of inflation in the country.
Gov. Bello commended Kogi State workers for their sacrifices, maturity and patience, assuring that he intends using any opportunity available to embark on palliatives that would cushion the pains of the workers in the State.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comerade Onu Edoka gave the assurance that the prevailing Cordial relationship and understanding between labour and government would be sustained.
He called on the state government to end percentage payment for local government workers and primary school teachers in the state which he said has lingered for too long.
The labour leader maintained that the nasty development has inflicted untold hardship for victims of percentage payment.