BY: MUHAMMAD NURA TSAFE, MINNA
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in celebrating this year’s International Workers Day, Labour Unions in Niger State, North Central Nigeria, have called for the implementation of policies that will uplift the welfare of workers.
The state NLC chairman, Comrade Idris Abdulkareem Lafene, made the call in Lugbo Kutigi while addressing the workers in Minna, the State Capital.
Lafene said this is the first time in recent years that the organized Labour in the State is celebrating Workers’ Day in an enclosed space devoid of parade and other fun fairs associated with the annual event.
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The NLC, Comrade, further stated that despite the Labour-Government disagreement, many of the Congress’s demands have been fulfilled by the Government.
Comrade Lafene, however, called on the Government to immediately suspend and refund the money deducted from workers’ salaries for the State Contributory Health Scheme for violation of the terms of the agreement.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, represented by the Head of Service, Alhaji Salisu Abubakar, assured Labour leaders of more robust industrial harmony.
The Governor also promised to implement the recently approved salary percentage increase for workers in the State by the Federal Government.
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Delivering the paper, the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Comrade Ibrahim Gana called for people-centred governance and conducive Worker Empowerment.
Comrade Gana said when the rights of workers are recognized through the demands and struggle of organized Labour, it would pave the way for the attainment of good Governance.
special prayers for the deceased and other departed souls were offered, while a lecture with the same theme was also presented.