By joshua IMPACT WITHOUT PROTEST: COMR. SANUSI’S LEADERSHIP REDEFINES NULGE IN KOGI
By Abu Micheal
Comr. Mohammed Sanusi has been reelected President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Kogi State Chapter, for another four-year term. The election held penultimate Thursday at the union’s secretariat during the 8th State Quadrennial Delegate Conference 2026 saw all 189 delegates, nine from each of the 21 local government areas, return him through a unanimous voice vote.
National officers of NULGE presided over the process, with the Deputy General Secretary commending delegates for their peaceful conduct. The mandate is both a reward for performance and a clear demand to do more.
When Sanusi assumed office, local government workers in Kogi were grappling with percentage salary payments, years of promotion backlogs, and arrears that had worn down morale. One term later, the story has changed. Workers now receive full monthly salaries like their state counterparts, and the ₦72,000 minimum wage is being implemented across all 21 LGAs. Promotion interviews that had stalled for years have been conducted and letters are being released and cashed back. To ease the burden on staff, Sanusi pushed for decentralization of promotions at the Local Government Service Commission so workers no longer travel long distances for exercises.
Leave bonuses have also been addressed. At his one-year anniversary, the State Accountant General representing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo assured workers of payment for 2025. Sanusi describes the governor’s administration as “NULGE-friendly” for prioritizing timely salaries, bonuses, minimum wage implementation and promotions. In his words, the administration has “wiped away the tears” of local government workers.
Sanusi’s leadership has been defined by collaboration rather than confrontation. He credits the gains to an enabling environment created by Governor Ododo, saying results were delivered without a single strike because government chose dialogue over delay. “We have dignified the union,” he stated, noting that the partnership with government made the difference. He acknowledged the State Accountant General for ensuring smooth management of local government finances and described her as a pillar of NULGE in Kogi. The Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission was commended for reforms that have made the commission more workers-friendly, while the Special Adviser on Labour Matters was praised as a rare breed committed to worker welfare.
Welfare is being broadened beyond pay. Sanusi urged members to enroll with the State Health Insurance Agency, noting that arrangements have been concluded to give them access to healthcare.
He commended LG staff for their dedication despite economic challenges and urged professionalism, accountability and unity in advancing their interests through the union.
National leaders who witnessed the conference expressed confidence in his direction. The North Central Vice President said NULGE under Sanusi would continue to grow, while the National Welfare Officer noted that the reelection reflects both his performance and the expectation to deliver more. The immediate past Kogi NULGE President, now Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Ododo on Civil Service Matters, was also present.
The confidence reposed in Sanusi has political weight. NULGE declared “no vacancy in Lugard House till 2031” and pledged to reciprocate the governor’s gestures in 2027. Speaking for the workers, Sanusi said: “Your Excellency, come 2027, sleep with your two eyes closed because all workers at the local government level are solidly behind you. We will, Insha Allah, repay every good gesture.”
Comr. Sanusi’s current tenure runs until 29th July 2026. From percentage wages to full pay, from stalled promotions to decentralized processes, from neglect to dignity — Comr. Mohammed Sanusi’s leadership is proving that impact is possible without protest when government and labour work in sync.