The Nigeria Labour Congress has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of implementing pro-capitalist policies that have intensified the suffering of Nigerian workers and the general populace.
Speaking in Lokoja on Thursday during his May Day address, the Kogi State Chairman of the NLC, Gabriel Amari, highlighted the distressing economic conditions facing workers across the country.
He said this year’s celebration theme, “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” reflects the stark reality of what workers are currently enduring.
“There is no doubt that, available economic indices clearly indicate that the current minimum wage has already been eroded with the rate of inflation and high cost of living in the Country,” Amari stated.
He emphasized the importance of critically engaging with and assessing government policies and programs to ensure they are beneficial to citizens.
“Thus, the need for conscious and constructive engagements and most importantly thorough interrogation of government policies and programmes as it affects the entirety of citizenry cannot be overemphasized,” he said.
Amari also advocated for inclusive governance, urging that all voices be heard to achieve a truly participatory system.
“While we advocate active participation in government, we equally encourage the accommodation of different shades of opinion for a more participatory governance structure that will holistically address the emerging challenges faced by Nigerian workers and their citizenry,” he added.
Despite the challenges, Amari applauded Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for consistent salary payments and the introduction of a one-year tax-free policy for workers.
He also praised the recent inclusion of pensioners in the state health insurance scheme.
However, he didn’t shy away from stating workers’ pressing needs in the state, particularly the long-overdue implementation of promotions and associated financial benefits.
“The workers in Kogi State Public Service has directed in clear terms to draw your attention of Your Excellency to the need for implementation of outstanding promotion in some cases up to six (6) years with Cash backing including incremental rates,” Amari urged.
He expressed confidence that fulfilling these obligations would enhance productivity within the civil service.
“While we are not unmindful of the ongoing rapid transformation being carried out in the public service, we are confident that implementation of outstanding promotions with cash backing and incremental rates will augment the array of competing demands on the current minimum wage being enjoyed by Kogi State workers and more so that, it will usher in a more result oriented Civil Service to effectively implement Government planned policies and programmes,” he noted.
Amari further called on the state government to intervene in the struggling transportation sector, which he said is severely affecting workers, particularly in Lokoja.
“It is obvious that, individuals and private concerns engaged in the transportation business in the State have been overwhelmed to effectively offer service to commuters and Kogi State workers and family members are affected the most especially in the Lokoja metropolis,” he said.
“The plight of Kogi State workers and family member’s resident in Lokoja Is better imagined than experienced, especially during market days and rush hours of the day. Transportation to and from work is an essential component towards effective and efficient service delivery and we are concerned taking into cognizance the fatigue and associated impact it has after the struggles while on duty post.
“It is on this premise we appeal to Your Excellency for the State Government’s intervention to alleviate the plight of residents and especially that of workers and students,” he appealed.
Additional issues raised by the union include the need for state intervention in housing, recruitment into the public and local government service, reinstatement of 441 civil servants previously screened and cleared by the Civil Service Commission, and resolution of lingering water supply challenges across Kogi State.
