From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state has given an assurance to prioritise workers welfare to boost productivity in the civil service.
Ododo gave the assurance in a speech he delivered to mark this year’s International Workers Day celebration held at the Muhammadu Buhari’s Civic Centre in Lokoja on Wednesday.
According to the Governor “My administration shall do more within the state resources to keep our workers happy inorder to boost their moral and productivity in the service of their father land
” We have also accorded recognition to Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kogi by the appointment of the immediate past Chairman of NLC in the state, Onu Edoka as a Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour matters
“We will not relent in the implementation of policies that will promote the well-being of the workforce”
On the new minimum wage for workers in the state civil service in view of the current economic hardship in the country, Ododo said that negotiation is ongoing and will soon be concluded.
He described civil service as the engine room of government and commended workers dedication to their duties starting from the immediate past administration to the present one.
He also praised President Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to ensure that Nigeria remains peaceful as one entity
Earlier, the Kogi State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress,(NLC) Comrade Gabriel Amari, affirmed that, the current N30,000 National Minimum Wage falls short of meeting the basic needs of workers in the prevailing economic hardship
“We advocate for the immediate implementation of a Wage Award totaling around N35,000 in Kogi State. This adjustment is not only fair but also urgent, given the relentless rise in the costs of goods and services, which continuously erodes the purchasing power of Workers.
“Until the long-awaited negotiations for a new minimum wage are concluded and put into effect, the Wage Award would serve as a temporary relief for Workers grappling with the current economic hardships.
The Kogi State NLC Chairman also drew the attention of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on some security challanges in Kogi State.
His words “The issue of insecurity in Nigeria is a recurring concern. The country faces security challenges that not only threaten its stability but also have a huge impact on the productivity of Workers. This pervasive insecurity creates hurdles for economic growth, investment, and business development, ultimately affecting the entire labour force.
“The constant threats of violence, kidnappings, and extortion deter both local and international investors, resulting in a decline in job opportunities, hindering business growth, and limiting economic progress.
“Your excellency, it is disheartening to observe that despite your efforts to tackle insecurity, there are still security breaches in some parts of the state. For instance, the recent incident in Agojeju-Odo Community in Omala Local Government, saw the loss of lives and properties due to herdsmen attack, including six Kogi Workers. It’s evident that conventional policing alone cannot cover every corner of the state.
“Therefore there’s a need to support community policing initiatives and enlist the services of hunters to complement law enforcement efforts. Additionally, in today’s era, effective policing relies heavily on intelligence gathering. Thus, it’s essential for the Government and all security agencies to prioritize intelligence gathering to outsmart criminal elements.
“Your Excellency, we implore you not to deter in your proactive approach to address insecurity. The workers of Kogi stand firmly behind your efforts to create a safe and conducive environment for all residents of the state”.