From Esther Akaa, Lafia
Workers in Nasarawa State have called on the state government to establish a Staff Development Centre for the training and retraining of workers for efficient and effective service delivery in the state.
The state Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Yusuf Iya made this call on Sunday at the 2023 Workers Day celebration held at the Lafia Square, Lafia, Nasarawa State Capital.
According to him, the state government has been appropriating funds for training of its staff without actual utilisation, hence the need to establish a staff development centre, where public servants will be enrolled for programmes that are professional, in order to add value to the system.
Iya, who appreciated Governor Abdullahi Sule’s effort towards the implementation of pending promotions at the state level up to 2017, reminded government that the local government workers were yet to benefit from the gesture.
“I wish to inform you that even at the state level, some workers are yet to benefit because their names were omitted at the point of implementation. All complaints with regards to omissions have been forwarded to the office of the Head of Service for consideration.
“We are aware that you have directed His Excellency the Deputy Governor to handle the issues of the unprocessed promotion from 2018 to 2022. That we appreciate, but to tell you that the process is not yet completed.
“Also, a total number of 218 workers are yet to enjoy your gesture of the payment of August 2016 salary arrears as a result of omissions.
“I wish to inform His Excellency that there is an amount saved by the committee that paid the arrears which is presently in the custody of the accountant General. That amount can pay up to 60% of the unpaid arrears your Excellency may wish to grant approval for Head of service to utilize the amount saved to pay those who were omitted, in the interest of equity and justice,” Iya said.
He commended the present administration under the leadership of Governor Sule for the noble initiative of proposing to construct 2000 houses across the state particularly for public servants on owners’ occupier’s basis, as well as for being a labour friendly governor.
The labour leader in the state also appreciated members of NLC and the entire workforce in the state for their support, patience and resilience over issue of welfare, saying his effort was worthy of note even as he charged them to prudent, transparent and committed to their jobs for the overall good of the state.
Also speaking, state Chairman, Trade Unions Congress (TUC), Comrade Mohammed Doma, lauded Governor Sule for his commitment towards workers welfare through sustained salary/pension payment as at when due.
He however, called on the government to look into the 50% deduction of 32 months arrears of pension which is yet to be paid back to the affected persons.
“We plead that government should do everything humanly possible to pay them as it will go a long way in relieving the burden hardship placed on them. I wish to plead with government to extend the same gesture to local government pensioners,” he said.
Responding, Governor Sule, represented by the State Head of Civil Service, Mr Nicholas Aboki assured workers that his administration would continue prioritise the welfare of civil servants and retirees in the state.
The governor directed the Head of Service and Civil Service Commission to commence the process of promotion of civil servants from 2018-date.
The Voice reports that the May Day celebration featured match past by different unions in the state.