By; ADAMA JOHN, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo has assured workers in the state of improved welfare just as they asked for review of the existing salary structure that is no more in consonance with the reality in the state.
Governor Ododo pledged to implement policies that will promote the rights of workers, restating his commitment to implement agreements that are tailored towards improving workers’ welfare in the state.
Ododo made the promise while responding to the organised labour demands during the 2024 May day celebration in Lokoja midweek assuring them that all requests by the Unions will be looked into with utmost dispatch.
“As a state, we may not be there right now, but I can assure you that soon and very soon, ongoing conversation about compensation for civil servants in the state will be concluded.
“At this juncture, I want to specially commend the labour unions in the state for the collaborative spirit between the government and labour centres. Your constructive engagement has enabled us to address issues and find solutions together, thereby fostering a conducive environment for the growth and development of the state,” he said.
He urged workers to remain calm, peaceful and supportive of the government as partners in progress.
Speaking on security, Ododo asserted that his administration was winning the war against crimes and criminalities.
Earlier in his address, the State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) , Gabriel Amari, appealed to the state government to implement the N35,000 minimum wage award.
According to the comrade the current N30,000 national minimum wage falls short of meeting basic needs of workers in the prevailing market conditions of the country.
“We advocate for the immediate implementation of a wage award totalling 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 erode 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.”
