The Kogi State Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello has asked the Organized Labour in the State to see the Government as a partner and not an antagonists.
Gov. Bello made the disclosure at the 2022 International Workers Day Celebration held at the Mohammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Lokoja, promised regular payment of salaries and pension to workers.
Gov. Bello thanked the organized labour for their commitment to industrial Peace, appreciated the organized labour for their understanding, patience and sacrifice.
While pointing out that he remained a strong advocates of better pay for workers, reason why he was amongst states to first implement the new minimum wage for workers, lauded the support of labour to his administration.
The Governor who acknowledged the payment of percentage salaries to workers at the LGA level, said it was due to the heavy levels of the staffing than what it should be as well as the low inflow of allocation, said having paid 100% as salaries to workers in the State, assured that same would be made to Local government workers soon as the allocation improved.
He acknowledged that 100% salaries has been paid to State workers, said he is trusting God to extend same gestures to the lower tier of government in the coming days.
The Governor added that since after the staff screening in 2018, the State Government has paid appropriately salaries and pension and gratuity on or before 26th of every month, traced the percentages payment to poor inflow and huge wage bill at the local government level.
Gov. Bello dispelled the rumour making the rounds that the state government is planning retrenchment or downsizing of its workforce, expressed sympathy with Nigerians and workers that since 2019 cost of living has been tough, particularly for workers in the public sector owing to the rising cost of inflation in the country, assured of succor in the coming days.
Gov. Bello commended Kogi State workers and the Union for their sacrifices, maturity, patience, assuring that he intends using any opportunity available apply palliatives that would cushion the pains of the workers in the State.
Gov. Bello promised a resuscitation of the car refurbishing loans for civil servants, pointing out that benefitting workers will het
N500,000 each as a revolving loan.
While promising to continue to serve the people of Kogi State with sincere commitment, assured of free and qualitative education, health, good road, security of lives and properties under his administration.