Borno workers demand new wage in LGs, pension review
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kano State, yesterday, kept mute on pay raise for workers, as the Federal Government announced 35 per cent increase in the minimum wage.
Its Kwara State counterpart was disappointed, as the governor was also silent on the expected new wage. The NLC in Borno State demanded the implementation of a minimum wage down to the 27 local councils and a review of pensions.
Before the announcement of the N70,000 minimum wage, which is expected to take effect from January 1, 2024, NLC directed its state branches to engage and negotiate new wages with state governments.
Addressing workers at the Kofar-Mata Sani Abacha Stadium, on 2024 Workers’ Day, the NLC chairman in the state, Kabiru Inuwa, instead demanded, from the government, urgent settlement of N75 billion unremitted pension contributions.
Inuwa worried that the unsettled deduction from pensioners entitlement which stood at N75 billion as of May 2023 poses a serious threat to the financial security of our retirees.He lamented that the government’s failure to remit pension deductions led to a cut in the payment of pension to retirees over the years, calling for immediate intervention of Governor Abba Yusuf.
The labour leader also raised concern over the state government’s failure to fulfil its pledge on monthly wage award, which was only paid once, noting that workers rely on the wage to improve their standard of living.
He also drew the attention of the government to the total silence on local council autonomy, adding that grassroots development “is crucial” to the financial and administrative independence of the councils.
Responding, Governor Yusuf applauded the commitment and dedication of workers to the social and economic development of the state. The governor, represented by deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam, said his administration placed a premium on workers’ welfare for optimum performance and would continue to build on their capacity.
Yusuf used the occasion to remind the workers that the era of partial payment of salary and deliberate deduction in monthly pensions was over. He added that the government had also completed screening and cleared about 10,000 of 13,000 civil servants recruited by the immediate past government towards the end of the administration.
Although the governor hinted at plans to earmark a portion of land for the construction of a housing scheme for workers in the state, the government was equally silent on whether or not there was a plan to implement new wages for workers.
MEMBERS of Kwara State organised labour, yesterday, defied the pervading fuel scarcity to celebrate this year’s International Workers’ Day. They had trooped out in their numbers, expecting to hear Governor, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman announce the new minimum wage.
However, they were disappointed to see the Chief of Staff, Abdulquadri Maye, instead of the governor.Various associations and groups gathered, yesterday, at the state’s stadium as early as 8.00 am for the event that eventually took off by 10.55 am.
State Chairman of NLC, Muritala Olayinka, presented a 21-point demand to the state government, including requests for local council autonomy and the passage of the Judicial Financial Autonomy Bill for the judiciary.
The workers also sought the proper equipment of laboratories in general hospitals to meet international standards, noting the need to replace retired personnel in the state’s health facilities.Kwara NLC pleaded with the governor to approve the 65 years retirement age for teaching and non-teaching staff, which has been approved in 14 other states.
AbdulRahman promised to effect an increase in minimum wage as soon as the committee concludes deliberations and recommendations.
ACCORDING to Borno NLC, inflation and the high cost of living have negatively affected workers’ productivity in the civil service.
The demands were made, yesterday, at Ramat Square in Maiduguri, by the NLC Chairman, Yusufu Inuwa, to mark this year’s May Day celebration. He said the workers’ struggle for democratic governance was despite the socio-economic challenges, including the recent removal of subsidies on petroleum products and electricity by the Federal Government.
This year’s joint May Day celebration, with the theme ‘The People First’, was to uphold strong advocacy for democracy and good governance in the state.Inuwa commended Governor Babagana Zulum for the procurement of over 100 buses and taxis for workers’ commuting at subsidised transport fares. For the NLC boss, this year’s theme of May Day reflects the importance of workers’ productivity and service to humanity at all levels.
“Despite the various economic challenges, workers’ collective efforts have led to increased productivity in the civil service. “We are deeply concerned with the devastating effect of conflicts and economic challenges by supporting government policies and programmes,” Inuwa stated. He, therefore, urged Zulum to implement the minimum wage down to the 27 local councils, including an upward review of workers’ pensions.
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