- Fubara hails Tinubu’s labour reforms
Governors lauded workers yesterday as the World marked this year’s International Workers’ Day.
Many of them joined workers at rally venues in their respective state capitals while others sent their deputies and top aides to stand in for them.
The event provided a fresh ground for some of them to announce additional measures to improve workers welfare. Others focussed on what their administrations were doing to better their workers conditions.
The governors are Babajide Sanwo-Olu(Lagos), Dapo Abiodun(Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa(Ondo), Biodun Oyebanji(Ekiti), Monday Okpebholo(Edo), Sheriff Oborevwori(Delta), AbdulRahman AbdulRazak (Kwara) and Peter Mbah (Enugu).
Others are Alex Otti (Abia), Douye Diri(Bayelsa), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Bala Mohammed(Bauchi), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Abba Yusuf(Kano), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Caleb Mutfwang(Plateau), Umaru Bago (Niger), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) and Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe).
Rivers State Sole Administrator Vice Admiral . Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) did not have the pleasure to witness the rally but he promised to review the contributory pension scheme of workers in order to address concerns and funding gaps.
Also, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara sent out a message in which he commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting labour reforms and advancing policies for healthier and safer work environments.
He praised the resilience, dedication and professionalism of Rivers workforce
We’ll remain partners, Sanwo-Olu tells Lagos workers
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Stadium, Sanwo-Olu restated his commitment to strengthening the state workforce and delivering a more robust public service.
He commended the workers’ resilience and described them as ‘’an integral part’’ of his government.
The governor said: “I have listened to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). I understand your demands. I have adopted your speeches and we will continue to work as partners in progress.
“Workers take home will be enough to take them home, our goal is to ensure that. We will continue to work on infrastructure that will make the lives of worker better.
“I thank you all for defying the rain and coming out to celebrate yourselves. You all deserve to be celebrated.
“Thank you for being an integral part of our government, I salute you all.”
The state Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo and Head of Service Bode Agoro, lauded the workers for their dedication.
Abiodun: N179.7 billion for pension, gratuity payments
During the rally in Abeokuta, where workers lamented ‘’selective’’ implementation of N77, 000 minimum wage, Abiodun said his administration would soon announce its position and decision on their requests, especially on pensions.
Abiodun told the workers that the synergy between them and his administration had yielded positive outcomes, including placing the state firmly on the path of sustainable socio-economic growth.
He said that N179.7 billion had been disbursed for pensions and gratuities to both state and council retirees while N1.6 billion had been disbursed to 12,508 beneficiaries as car and motorcycle loans.
The governor added that the state also provided N8 billion as palliative to workers and pensioners between July 2023 and March 2024.
The workers had lamented what they called the ‘’violation of the Contributory Pension Scheme(CPS) Law by the government through non- remittance of deductions to their fund administrator within seven days.
Describing the scheme as dysfunctional in the state, the workers demanded its immediate suspension before July 1.
I won’t let Ondo workers down, Aiyedatiwa assures union
Aiyedatiwa said his administration would not shirk in delivering dividends of good governance to the people.
Describing civil servants as critical part of his administration’s delivery chain, he admonished them to continue to raise the bar.
His words: “You must neither lag nor lax. You must be resourceful and be able to prevent waste and leakages.
‘’Please, endeavour to upscale revenue generation and do not short-change government. On no account should you compromise the integrity of the public service.
‘’I urge you to continue to justify government’s huge investment in your welfare. I promise, our administration will never let you down.
“We have also kept the issue of regular promotion on the front burner. To date, no arrears of promotion is owed; it gladdens my heart to inform you that 2025 promotion exercise has already commenced.”
The governor was, however, silent on an appeal by the state chapters of the NLC and TUC not to demolish civil servants’ quarters as contained in his Alagbaka re-development plan.
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NLC chairman in the state Ademola Olapade said the governor’s urban renewal and modernisation plan threatened to displace workers without adequate resettlement or compensation plan.
Olapade stated that the proposed demolition without proper engagements with Labour undermined the welfare of the state workforce.
Chairman of TUC Clement Fatuase suggested that the quarters should be renovated instead of being demolished.
Makinde expresses concern over workers challenges
Makinde, who expressed concern over the challenges faced by workforce, said he would continue to prioritise their wellbeing.
Makinde decried what he described as the exploitation, underemployment by some members of the Organised Private Sector(OPS).
The governor, who was represented the rally held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan his Deputy, Bayo Lawal, said payment of unjust wages, especially by some of the OPS members makes it difficult for workers to achieve financial stability.
Makinde said, “Many of them toil under harsh and unsafe conditions, dedicating countless hours to their jobs with compensation that fails to reflect their efforts, especially at the private sector.
“Unfortunately, these situations lead to apathy and withdrawal from civic participation. These realities push some of the labour leaders into continuously advocating for fairness, dignity, and respect in all workplaces. Coincidentally, in Oyo State, there is freedom of expression.”
He said the sensitivity of his government to the plights of the workers made him to approve N80,000 minimum wage for workers in the state.
Aside the payment of N80 minimum wage, Makinde said his administration facilitated the training and re-training of over 10,000 state workforce locally and internationally.
Oyebanji hails workers contributions to Ekiti development
In Ado- Ekiti, Oyebanji commended the resilience, sacrifice, commitment and patriotic zeal of workers to the socio-economic progress of the Ekiti State..
He thanked the workers for the pivotal role they play in ensuring smooth running of the state’s economy and governance.
He added that his administration ensured safe and healthy work environment, fair wages and benefits as well as respect for workers’ rights, thereby restoring the dignity and pride of workers.
While reaffirming his commitment to transparency and policies that promote workers welfare, the governor urged labour leaders to note that now was a period for dialogue, synergy and mutual understanding in proffering solutions to economic crisis and accountability in governance.
He also urged them to come forth with ideas, constructive opinions and strategies to transform the economy of the state for the greater benefit of citizens.
Okpebholo raises minimum wage to N75,000
At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin where he delivered his a speech, Okpebholo announced the increase of minimum wage for the state’s least paid workers from N70, 000 to N75,000.
He said the gesture was to further improve their standard of living.
Okpebholo appreciated the contributions of workers to the development of the state and assured that his administration would always seek ways to improve their welfare.
The governor said: “Today (yesterday), I am proud to announce that our administration has approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 per month for Edo State workers.
“It is our way of saying thank you, Edo workers. We believe this will make a real difference, and in return, we count on your renewed dedication as we build a better Edo together.’’
He added that his administration had commenced a review of ‘’the casual position of over 3,000 Edo State teachers, for possible full employment.’’
Okpebholo also said he had cleared outstanding salary arrears of workers of the state polytechnic in Usen.
The governor assured of the readiness of his administration to timely payment of salaries and pensions.
Acting NLC Chairman in the state Bernard Egwekhide hailed Okpebholo for policies aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by workers and pensioners.
Nwifuru gifts Ebonyi workers N10, 000 each
During the rally in Abakaliki, Governor Nwifuru announced N10, 000 May-Day celebration gift to every civil servant in Ebonyi State.
He described the workers as “engine room” of government and pledged his continued support for their well-being.
Nwifuru said: “ I will remain indebted to the workers in the state and under my watch, workers will remain symbol of excellence.
“Today’s May-Day celebration is the reflection of workers contributions to nation building.
“I understand the challenges you face; my administration is committed to tackling them. We are committed to promoting conducive civic space for workers.
“We must stay together as partners in progress for a better Ebonyi.”
Oborevwori: workers are backbone of govt
Oborevwori, who described workers as the backbone of government’s wheel of progress, challenged them to remain steadfast in their commitment to excellence.
“It(May Day) is a moment to reflect on shared journey and renewal of commitment to building a Delta State and Nigeria where every worker is valued, empowered and rewarded,” he told the workers.
Oborevwori, who was represented at the rally by his Deputy Monday Onyeme, advised the workers to renew their ‘’commitment to building a Delta State and Nigeria.’’
He advised that “even in the face of adversity, we must reclaim our rights, amplify our voices and are engage fully in the civic processes that govern our lives.”
The governor added: “You, the workers of Delta State, civil servants, teachers, healthcare professionals, artisans, farmers and private sector employees, are the backbone of our progress.
“My administration will never take your sacrifices for granted and we will keep pushing for policies that uplift you and your families.
“Workers’ Day is not just a celebration; it is a moment to reflect on our shared journey and renewal of our commitment to building a Delta State and Nigeria where every worker is valued, empowered and rewarded.
“Let me acknowledge the challenges we face; global economic pressures, rising costs of living and unemployment affect us all but I assure you that my administration is working tirelessly to cushion these impacts.
“Since assuming office, my administration has placed workers at the heart of our M.O.R.E. Agenda and we have taken steps to uplift the welfare of workers and ensure you thrive in an environment of dignity and opportunity.
“We have ensured prompt payment of salaries and pension, cleared pension backlogs and introduced training programmes to boost your skills.
“We have upgraded workplaces, revitalized healthcare centres and renovated schools to support your work.
“Our entrepreneurship initiatives have empowered artisans and small business owners, creating jobs and boosting incomes.’’
Mbah vows to surmount Enugu workers’ challenges
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, Mbah commended workers for their resilience. He pledged to tackle most of their challenges.
Mbah, represented by his Chief of Staff, Victor Udeh, acknowledged that Enugu workers have over the years demonstrated passion for duty.
He said since labour creates wealth, the best way to appreciate their contributions was by ensuring that they were well motivated.
The governor promised to always prioritise the welfare of civil servants in the state.
Chairman of the state NLC Fabian Nwigbo and his TUC counterpart , Ben Asogwa appreciated Mbah for transforming Enugu within of two years.
N30b committed to salary, pension arrears’ payments in Abia
In Umuahia, Otti of Abia State said that his administration has committed N30 billion to offset salary and pension arrears inherited by his administration .
He said the huge financial commitment was part of efforts to restore trust and productivity within the state workforce.
“As you may recall, we are coming from a very bad place and had been battling to meet the burden of unpaid salary and pension arrears left by those who came before us,’’ he told workers at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
“In the past 23 months, we have committed sums in excess of N30 billion to offset arrears and we are still not done,’’ he added.
The governor emphasised that his administration remained committed to correcting past injustices, including addressing cases of workers dismissed for ethnic or political reasons.
He added that the state government was currently in discussion civil servants who were arbitrarily dismissed from service for reason of where they originally hailed from.
His words: “Our plan is to properly compensate them for the grave injustice done them and ultimately make things right with them.
“We must never be known as a state that discriminates against people on account of base sentiments and primordial political considerations.”
He assured that under his watch, payment of salaries and pensions would remain prompt and would continue to be paid by or before the 28th of every month.
AbdulRazaq to Kwara workers: you are pillars of our development
AbdulRazaq said the state was gradually becoming self-reliant and prosperous.
He called on workers in the state to remain optimistic and continue to support his administration’s vision for a greater Kwara.
