By joshua NULGE ADOPT GOV. ODODO FOR SECOND TERM URGES KOGI GOVERNMENT TO EMPLOY LOWER CADRE STAFF, FAST-TRACK PROMOTIONS IN LG SERVICE
The Kogi State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, has called on the State Government to approve immediate recruitment of lower cadre officers into the Local Government Service Commission, this is as it adopt Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo as it preferred candidate for the 2027 Governorship Election.
Speaking in Lokoja shortly after his inauguration for a second three-year term, the State President of NULGE, Comrade Mohammed Inyanya, said the appeal became necessary due to the growing manpower gap at the grassroots caused by retirement, death and natural attrition.
He specifically requested approval to employ security men, drivers, cleaners and other lower cadre staff.
“We respectfully appeal to the State Government for the immediate approval for the employment of lower cadre officers such as security men, drivers and cleaners into the Local Government Service,” Inyanya said.
“Owing to retirement, death and natural attrition, the lower rung of the Service has become thin. If it is becoming difficult to employ into the upper cadre at this time, we plead that the lower cadre be prioritized so that the system can continue to function effectively.”
The NULGE President also urged the Local Government Service Commission to expedite action on the promotion of officers for the two years outstanding. He commended the Commission for its current plan to clear the backlog and asked that the exercise be timely, transparent and all inclusive to sustain workers’ morale.
Inyanya used the occasion to commend Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for what he described as a worker-friendly administration. He noted that since assuming office, the Governor has restored dignity to local government workers through a series of interventions.
According to him, Governor Ododo ended the era of percentage salary payment, approved and commenced payment of the new ₦72,000 minimum wage for local government workers, restored promotion with financial backing, approved and paid leave bonuses, and granted approval for local government workers to be captured under the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme.
He also praised the Governor for appointing distinguished retired labour leaders into his administration, describing it as a significant milestone.
“Your Excellency, these achievements are not just policies. They are lifelines. They have reinvigorated the spirit of service at the grassroots,” he said.
“On behalf of all Local Government workers, we say thank you. Be rest assured that we are better positioned to move round the nooks and crannies of the 21 Local Government Areas to ensure that your second term, which is sacrosanct, is made seamless.”
Also speaking at the inauguration, the NULGE National President, *Comrade Aliyu Kankara*, urged members in Kogi to reciprocate the Governor’s gesture with greater commitment to duty. He equally appealed to the Governor to approve the employment of lower grade staff in the Local Government Service Commission.
Representing the Governor at the event, the Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Comr. Onuh Edoka, assured workers of the government’s continued commitment to their welfare.
The new 13-member State Executive of NULGE was inaugurated by the Union’s National General Secretary, Comrade Isah Gambo.
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