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Tag: Lagos workers

  • Lagos Rep celebrates workers on May Day, hails their role in nation building

    Lagos Rep celebrates workers on May Day, hails their role in nation building

    As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in commemorating International Workers’ Day, the member representing Lagos Mainland Constituency in the House of Representatives Hon. Oshun Moshood Olarewaju, has extended warm wishes to Nigerian workers, acknowledging their tireless efforts in driving the engine of national progress and stability.

    In a heartfelt statement marking the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration, Hon. Oshun praised workers across the nation for their dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to service, particularly in the face of economic and social challenges. 

    The respected lawmaker and grassroots leader emphasized the importance of the workforce in shaping a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria.

    “Today, we honor the sacrifices and selfless contributions of workers who, through their sweat and perseverance, continue to keep the heart of our nation beating.

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    “From civil servants to artisans, teachers, health professionals, security personnel, and private sector employees, your hard work lays the foundation for everything we aspire to achieve as a people,” he said.

    Hon. Oshun Moshood Olarewaju, who previously served as a distinguished member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Lagos Mainland Constituency II, is widely known for his passion for education, youth empowerment, and legislative excellence. 

    Throughout his tenure in the Assembly, he was a vocal advocate for improved labor conditions, social justice, and economic reforms that prioritize the welfare of the working class.

    He noted that the celebration of Workers’ Day is a moment not just for reflection, but for recommitment to ensuring that workers are given their due in terms of fair wages, job security, career growth, and dignity in labor.

    He also called on both federal and state governments to intensify efforts in creating more employment opportunities and sustaining a conducive environment for productivity.

    “Our workers deserve more than just praise – they deserve policies that protect their rights, systems that reward their labor, and opportunities that allow them to rise beyond their current circumstances,” he added.

    Hon. Oshun also took a moment to commend the Lagos State Government for its consistent support of public servants and ongoing investment in infrastructure and human capital. 

    He urged labor unions to continue to engage constructively and collaboratively in advancing the interests of their members.

    Concluding his message, Hon. Oshun said, “On this special day, I wish all Nigerian workers a Happy Workers’ Day. May your strength be renewed, your voices heard, and your labor rewarded. Together, let us continue to build the Nigeria of our dreams.”

  • Sanwo-Olu promises improved welfare for Lagos workers

    It was all excitement yesterday at Alausa in Ikeja, the seat of power of the Lagos State government, when the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, held a consultative meeting with workers.

    A huge crowd of workers from all local government areas converged on Adeyemi Bero Hall to listen to the promises and programmes of the APC candidate.

    Workers’ welfare, Sanwo-Olu promised, will be a priority of his administration, if elected.

    He promised to run a listening government, to which every worker will have access.

    The APC governorship candidate, who was accompanied by his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, described the meeting as “a homecoming”.

    He said he and Hamzat were moved to tears, seeing the crowd of civil servants who welcomed them.

    Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat were commissioners in the state.

    The APC candidate explained the programmes in his manifesto, codenamed THEME, saying the programmes were formulated to elevate Lagos to be the pride of black race.

    He said: “We have developed our programmes to address the current challenges facing Lagos and to set the template for the realisation of a Greater Lagos that will be the pride of the black race.

    “This is the message we have been telling 25 million Lagosians on the campaign trail. To achieve these goals, we believe there is need for a knowledgeable public service that will drive these policies and programmes.

    “Our programmes will not be effectively implemented and our objectives achieved without the readiness of the public servants to work with us as the drivers of these policies and promises made to Lagosians. Most of our programmes will be technology-driven and we feel there is need to meet with you and prepare you ahead.”

    All government offices, Sanwo-Olu said, would be equipped with free Wi-Fi to promote seamless communications among government workers.

    The APC candidate promised that his government would bring back international capacity building and training opportunities for workers, but said the condition for selecting beneficiaries would be strictly be based on merit.

  • Lagos workers are happy to retire, says Ambode

    Despite the anxiety associated with retirement, Lagos State civil servants are happy to retire, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said.

    He spoke at a retreat with theme “Planning for retirement” held for union leaders in Lagos State at Michael Imoudu Institute, Ilorin, the Kwara State capiatl.

    Ambode, represented by the Commissioner for Establishments, Training, and Pensions, Dr. Akintola, Benson, said the government has paid accrued pension of retirees.

    He stated that the government has continued to remit money into officers’accounts.

    He noted that the state remains perhaps the only one in the country that is up to date in its monthly remittances into employees’ Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs).

    He said: “The theme of this year’s retreat calls for a certain level of deliberate introspection and contemplation. When both employee and employer adequately plan for retirement, the transformation becomes far less stressful than it would otherwise have been. While we all can agree that human resources are rightly regarded as the bedrock of an organisation since organisations are overwhelmingly dependent on human capacity for the supply of physical labour, technical and professional skills, which are germane for effective and efficient planning and implementation of development policies, programmes, projects, and daily activities; it is indisputable that, at a certain point, the human elements, as represented in our case by the officers of the Lagos State Public Service, as well as the government, would need to prepare for retirement.

    “Retirement is another phase of life that brings fundamental change and while the change may bring daunting challenges, you, officers of the Lagos State Public Service really have nothing to be anxious about. The Lagos State Government had paid accrued pension rights of running into billions into the Retirement Savings Account of retirees. Furthermore, the Lagos State Government has continued to remit money into officers’ Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs). Indeed, everyone should be proud to note that Lagos State remains perhaps the only state in the federation that is up to date in its monthly remittances into serving employees’ Retirement Savings Accounts.’’

    The governor continued: ‘’While many employers and, indeed, many governments do not see the need to prepare their employees for a new life, the Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration, however, is people-oriented  and we have resolved that everyone who has worked diligently for the state has to be recognised, paid his or her dues and assisted to prepare for future challenges.

    ‘’Therefore, with the benefit of the knowledge of a responsive and responsible employer in the Lagos State Government, I urge officers to embrace the coming change with confidence. Without doubt, there are other challenges inherent in facing a period of retirement. Let me advise you not to be apprehensive about these. Change is built into the fabric of our lives.”

    He added that there were people who had profitable business in retirement, urging retirees to resolve plan for productive future.

    “As a retiree, you should envision a productive future. Everything starts with a vision. Do not give up on yourself. Envision a future where you can do things, no matter how little, for the benefit of the society and others. You need to try new things. It is not all over for you. You can still learn new skills, read new books, meet new friends, start new ventures.

    “With the wealth of experience that you have acquired over the years, you should make it your duty to inspire the younger generation and encourage and guide them with the benefit of your acquired wisdom and experience. You should also exercise. Discover light and non-strenuous exercises that you can regularly engage in. This will keep you in good health,’’ Ambode added.

     

  • Lagos workers to get gratuity three months after retirement

    The Lagos State Government is to introduce an efficient pension scheme for its workforce, an official said yesterday.

    Under the new regime, retirees will be paid their gratuity (lump sum) within three months after retirement.

    Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) Director-General Mrs Folashade Onanuga told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the administration would soon unveil the new regime.

    “Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is working towards a three-month gratuity collection regime. He is working towards a regime that all pensioners will be able to access their gratuities within three months after retirement,” she said.

    Onanuga also said that the governor was committed to the welfare of retirees as he had cleared the backlog of pensions.

    She said: “Ambode is fully committed to retirees’ welfare as he is working towards clearing pension backlog the administration inherited under the old pension scheme known as Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) before the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) was    introduced in 2004. He has cleared the pension backlog up till 2015.

    “About N37 billion has been released by the governor for 9, 045 retirees since he assumed office.”

    The director-general, however, has advised retiring workers in the employ of the state government to study the two options available to them at retirement carefully before taking decisions.

    According to her, the two options are Programmed Withdrawal and Annuity.

    “The retirement options should be studied carefully before signing any deal with Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).’’

    Onanuga, who described some PFAs as hoodwinkers, said they had been deceiving retiring employees into taking wrong decision for their own selfish reasons.

    “There are still pension `fraudsters’ parading themselves as PFAs and the Lagos State Government will put concrete measures in place to ensure that its retirees do not fall victims.

    “It is important to note that pension fraudsters are still out there, retirees must be vigilant and courageous not to sign negative deals; be wise,’’ Onanuga warned.

  • Lagos workers aid growth

    Lagos State is experiencing exponential growth because of its team of dedicated workers, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said.

    Ambode, who spoke on the topic: “Coaching for Higher Performance”, during an ongoing two-day training programme for the state Public Service, said they have been investing in every public officer by designing and delivering coaching instructions that would increase their knowledge and skills, such that the multiplier effect will be seen by the people.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Establishments, Training, and Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson, the Governor said the benefits for the state public service in were enormous.

    He said, for instance, that it empowered individuals and encouraged them to take responsibility, increase employee and staff engagement; improved individual performance and, therefore, organisational performance and helped to identify and develop high potential employees.

    He added that it also helped identify both organisational and individual strengths and development opportunities, motivate and empower individuals to excel while it demonstrated organisational commitment to human resource development.

    Ambode said: “The ultimate goal for all organisations is to attain optimal state of performance and effectiveness where its units and teams and departments are headed by persons who understand what leadership means and who have developed their leadership potentials and have enhanced their performance skills. It is only at such a point in time that organisations can experience exponential growth.

    He, however, said no matter how often or how seriously one discusses the importance of leadership skills for every officer of the Lagos State Public Service, the efforts would be meaningless and would amount to undertaking a journey without a map, unless and until a clear path to acquiring the critical leadership skills is created and adopted.

    According to him, the creation and adoption of such a path is the purpose of the training workshop. “As I have indicated at several other fora, once the state public service is able to attain that optimal state of effectiveness and productivity through proper coaching, no problem will be too complicated, no task too herculean, no challenge too huge for it to confront head-on,” he said.

    The governor noted that indeed, this was part of his vision for state public service: that the state government would invest in every public officer by designing and delivering coaching instructions that would increase the knowledge and skills of every officer such that the multiplier effect on the public service would be dynamism, responsiveness and effectiveness.

    Indeed, it is clear by the public statements and actions of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration that in envisioning a civil service peopled by leaders, the administration was mindful that leadership is not about a title or a designation. Rather, it’s about impact, influence and inspiration.

    The purpose of the training, therefore, was to begin the monumental task of helping every officer of the state public service become impactful, influential and productive to such degrees that the output of the civil service will inspire our citizens.

    The Commisioner stated that what the administration wanted to achieve was a state public service where every officer is able and empowered to set a clear vision regarding his or her duties and effectively communicate it to colleagues, providing them with a clear understanding of the desired direction. The officer is also able to provide stability, inspiration, courage and direction during the times of crisis and when dealing with relationships between co-workers, amongst others.

  • Ambode praises Lagos workers on productivity

    Ambode praises Lagos workers on productivity

    lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has praised the  state worforce  for a peaceful work environment leading to sustainable productivity for the Public Service,

    Ambode who was represented by the Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry Of Establishments, Training, And Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson spoke at the just concluded Retreat for Trade Union Leaders on the topic, “”Industrial Harmony and Sustainable Productivity in Lagos State” in Lagos.

    He stated that industrial harmony refers to a friendly and cooperative agreement on working relationships between employers and employees for their mutual benefit.

    He said that human resources are rightly regarded as the bedrock of an organization since organizations are overwhelmingly dependent on human capacity for the supply of physical labour, technical and professional skills, which are germane for effective and efficient planning and implementation of development policies, programmes, projects, and daily activities.

    He stressed that  there is no disagreement on the proposition that human resource policies and practices are influenced by strategy and structure and, more importantly, by external factors such as trade unions, labour market situation and the legal system.

    He said: “In Lagos State, we are proud to note that there is in place, a well thought-out and sequential model on industrial relations practices. In Lagos State, instead of suppressing conflicts, specific channels are created to make these conflicts explicit and resolved. It is in furtherance of this approach to industrial relations that the Governor approved a retreat for the purpose of the government and the leadership of the trades unions in Lagos State to deliberate on industrial harmony and sustainable productivity in the state.

    “The approach by the State Government is not a ruse or gimmick. Rather, it is well-engrained in the fabric of the industrial relations policies of the government. We have a number of industrial relations platforms such as the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC). The prevailing harmonious relationship between the government of Lagos State and the various trade unions in the Lagos State Public Service is an eloquent testimony to the relevance, importance, competence and strategic philosophy of the Governor to governance. We urge all stakeholders in the human resource and industrial relations arm of the State Public Service not to rest on their oars. In order to sustain the existing atmosphere of industrial harmony in the state and in order to transform such harmony into even greater productivity, we must be proactive

    “Governor Ambode is committed to a perpetual regimen of training and re-training of skills. This is because, in today’s world in particular, high premium is placed on the possession of skills that are adaptable to the needs ever-dynamic needs of modern society. Many of these skills are soft skills. All stakeholders should also commit to the promotion of the indispensable value of team work in labour and government relations. The Public Service will become more effective and efficient if all stakeholders rededicate to the values of team work and collaboration.”

    Benson said that with firm focus on delivering value to the people of Lagos State, the administration has since recognised that one of the most effective ways to ensure that officers of the public service are positioned to deliver value is to invest in improving their skills and knowledge.

    To this end, a number of trainings have been approved and delivered to ensure that officers of the Public Service are positioned to favourably compete with officers from other states and able to meet the challenges of today’s world, he added.

  • Lagos workers acquire skills for pension administration

    Lagos workers acquire skills for pension administration

    Governments and employers, who fail to accept the welfare of the people as the ultimate law, is at the risk of ruining its stewardships and the trust of the citizens in governance, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said.

    He added that employers, who deny this run the undeniable risk of ruining their enterprise, the trust and the devotion of their employees.

    The governor made this statements at the opening session of a workshop tagged: “Vital Interpersonal Skills for Pension Administrators”, organised by the Civil Service Pensions Office (CSPO) of the Lagos State Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions in Lagos.

    Ambode, who was represented by Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson, said Lagos State government is one of the most notable governments that believe in this ideal, adding that the unrivalled dedication of the state to the welfare of its workforce both during and after service cannot be overemphasised.

    The commissioner said Governor Ambode mandated his ministry to embark on a continuous training of members of staff of the ministry in order to ensure the delivery of top quality service to officers of the civil service.

    The training, he said, was dedicated to the need to inculcate and sharpen the vital interpersonal skills that officers of the Civil Service Pensions Office require to properly serve pensioners and retirees of the state civil service.

    He said: “In addition to fulfilling my duties charged with the responsibility for ensuring the adequate exposure of the civil service to knowledge on an on going basis, the activities that have been carried out signify and underscore the Governor’s commitment to all matters relating to the welfare of staff, retirees, and pensioners in Lagos State.

    “In aiming to call attention to, and aid the development of, the vital interpersonal skills that are vital for pension administrators, our training will focus on the skills that are not learnt in schools, but are important though, rarely visible. These are the skills that are less tangible, harder to quantify, challenging to teach and, sometimes, difficult to describe. They include attributes such as etiquette, getting along with others, listening and engaging in small talk. Without doubt, these skills are related to the concept of ‘employability’, but they are also related to the concepts of effectiveness and efficiency.”

    He continued:“Clearly, possessing the right attitude to work is a soft skill that is not taught in the universities and other formal schools. This is, therefore, an attempt to help officers of the Civil Service Pensions Office develop the skills that are necessary for success. The training will also fully assist the participating officers to appreciate and acquire the benefits that skills training brings to bear on the attainment of the strategic objectives of the government and the effectiveness of the institutions of the civil service. It will also help pension administrators in the CSPO benefit from having officers, who are able to make critical observations.”

  • Lagos workers express joy over pension benefits

    Lagos workers express joy over pension benefits

    Chanting joyful songs and jubilating, employees of Lagos State billed to retire in six months have expressed joy that they have  received pension benefits in their respective Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs).

    The prospective retirees expressed joy at the 13th Retirement Benefits Documentation  Seminar, organised for them in preparation of their exit from the service by the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) in Lagos. The retirees were drawn from the Core Civil Servants, SUBEB and  Parastatals under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

    One of them from the Ministry of Education, Mrs Bukola Adeyeye, said she is excited that she can  retire, rest and earn pension after working for 35 years.

    Another worker, Jide Orimolade, on his part said he is looking forward to retirement because he knows his employer, the Lagos State Government remits pension as and when due, leading to accumulation of his benefits in his RSA.

    Speaking at the 44th batch of the Retirement Benefit Bond Certificate Presentation Ceremony in Lagos, Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson,  who represented Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, said the state has paid more than N80 billion into the RSA of active workforce since the commencement of the CPS in 2007.

    He said the state has paid accrued pension rights of approximately N30,658 billion into the RSA of 7,522 in the last 25 months, stressing that the state remains the only one in the country that is up to date in its monthly remittances into serving employees’ RSA

    LASPEC Director-General Mrs Folashade Onanuga noted that in the last two  years, the state under the leadership of Governor Ambode, has witnessed dramatic changes.

    She said added that it is government’s desire and the LASPEC to see that retirees in the state live comfortable in retirement. She urged prospective retirees to begin to think of what they can do to keep themselves busy in retirement.

    She encouraged them to commencein order to have something to fall back on before they begin to draw their pension benefits.

    In the same vein, the state has approved the release of N710 million to pay another batch of 153 retirees for the month of October, 2017.

    She said: “The Lagos State government, despite its commitment to the welfare of the active workforce and pensioners in respect of salaries and pensions, has undertaken a wide range of reforms that have improved governance, reduced  crime  and helped to bring millions out of poverty.

    “This administration has continued to bolster the living standards and socio-economic well-being of the ordinary citizen despite the fact that it has over 200 billion pension liabilities for Lagos State.”

    She advised pensioners to be wary of pension fraudsters, who present themselves in different forms, take very good care of their health and desist from spending on frivolities, among others.