By joshua 
Workers’ Day 2026: Ododo Reaffirms Commitment to Workers’ Welfare as NLC Lists Key Demands in Kogi
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, sustainable reforms, and a productive civil service, as organised labour commended the government’s achievements while presenting a list of pressing demands.
Speaking during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration, the governor described workers as the backbone of the state’s development, assuring that their sacrifices would continue to be recognised and rewarded.
“I am one of you. I understand the challenges you face, and I know where the shoe pinches,” Ododo said, stressing that his administration remains focused on building a competent, efficient, and modern workforce capable of driving the state’s growth.
He highlighted key achievements of his administration, including prompt and regular payment of salaries and pensions, implementation of promotions, payment of gratuities, and sustained industrial harmony through engagement with labour unions.
He also noted ongoing investments in capacity building aimed at improving service delivery across the public sector.
The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for national reforms that, according to him, have strengthened the capacity of states to meet wage obligations and improve workers’ welfare.
Ododo urged workers to remain committed to duty, shun indiscipline, and support the state’s development agenda, particularly efforts to industrialise Kogi and position it as a production hub.
He also called on citizens to embrace the state’s rebranding campaign by projecting its image positively to attract investment.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kogi State Council, Comrade Amari Gabriel, acknowledged the government’s strides, particularly in the regular payment of salaries, pension reforms, and infrastructural development.
He noted that timely salary payments have eased financial pressures on workers and improved their quality of life, while the harmonisation of pensions and inclusion of pensioners in the state health insurance scheme have restored dignity to retirees.
The labour leader also commended the government for projects such as the proposed Kogi International Airport, improved road networks, free education policies, and payment of WAEC fees for students.
However, Gabriel emphasised that several challenges remain and require urgent attention. Top among the demands was the reinstatement of 441 workers earlier cleared by the Civil Service Commission, as well as recruitment to address manpower shortages across ministries, departments, and agencies.
He also called for reforms in the health sector, including the implementation of a five-year retirement extension for health professionals and better coordination of primary healthcare services.
Other demands include the gradual clearance of gratuity arrears, introduction of affordable housing schemes, improved mass transit systems, rehabilitation of water infrastructure in Lokoja, and lifting of the ban on union activities in tertiary institutions.
The NLC further urged the government to address concerns affecting judiciary workers, conduct outstanding promotion exercises, absorb traffic management personnel into the Vehicle Inspection Office, and invest in vocational training centres to tackle unemployment.
Gabriel stressed the need for sustained dialogue between government and labour, proposing quarterly engagements to address emerging issues and maintain industrial peace.
“Partnership is not silence. A true partner tells you difficult truths,” he said, reaffirming labour’s commitment to constructive engagement with the government.
The 2026 Workers’ Day celebration, themed “Insecurity and Poverty: The Bane of Decent Work,” brought together government officials, labour leaders, and workers across the state, highlighting both progress made and the path ahead in improving workers’ welfare and productivity in Kogi State.