Tinubu’s pro-capitalist policies increasing workers pains, sufferings – Kogi NLC Chairman

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, say President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Federal Government pro-capitalist policies have continued to cause excruciating pains and sufferings for workers and Nigerians in general.

The Kogi State Chairman of NLC, Gabriel Amari disclosed this in Lokoja on Thursday in his May day speech address to workers in the State.

According to him, The significance of this year’s theme “Reclaiming the civic space in the midst of economic hardship,” aptly captures the prevailing circumstances workers are grappling with amidst some of the pro-capitalist policies of the Federal Government that have caused excruciating pains and sufferings.

” There is no doubt that, available economic indices clearly indicate that the current minimum wage has already been eroded with the rate of inflation and high cost of living in the Country.

“Thus, the need for conscious and constructive engagements and most importantly thorough interrogation of government policies and programmes as it affects the entirety of citizenry cannot be overemphasized.

“While we advocate active participation in government, we equally encourage the accommodation of different shades of opinion for a more participatory governance structure that will holistically address the emerging challenges faced by Nigerian workers and their citizenry.

Amari, however, commended Governor Ododo for the prompt payment of salaries to workers and the one year tax free policy in the state adding that the enrollment of pensioners into the health insurance scheme is highly commendable.

Stating emphatically some of the immediate needs and concerns of workers in Kogi State, Amari appealed to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to implement promotion and incremental rates with cash backing.

Explaining further, Amari said, “The workers in Kogi State Public Service has directed in clear terms to draw your attention of Your Excellency to the need for implementation of outstanding promotion in some cases up to six (6) years with Cash backing including incremental rates.

“While we are not unmindful of the ongoing rapid transformation being carried out in the public service, we are confident that implementation of outstanding promotions with cash backing and incremental rates will augment the array of competing demands on the current minimum wage being enjoyed by Kogi State workers and more so that, it will usher in a more result oriented Civil Service to effectively implement Government planned policies and programmes”.

On the need for the State Government to urgently intervene in the transportation sub-sectors, the Kogi NLC boss asserted ” it is obvious that, individuals and private concerns engaged in the transportation business in the State have been overwhelmed to effectively offer service to commuters and Kogi State workers and family members are affected the most especially in the Lokoja metropolis.

“The plight of Kogi State workers and family member’s resident in Lokoja Is better imagined than experienced, especially during market days and rush hours of the day. Transportation to and from work is an essential component towards effective and efficient service delivery and we are concerned taking into cognizance the fatigue and associated impact it has after the struggles while on duty post.

“It is on this premise we appeal to Your Excellency for the State Government’s intervention to alleviate the plight of residents and especially that of workers and students”

Other demands and concerns of workers in Kogi State include the need for government to intervene in the housing deficits, recruitment of workers to the states public and Local Government Councils, reinstatement of 441 screened and cleared Civil Servant by the State Civil Service Commission, and the need for the government to solve water demands in the State.

Tinubu’s pro-capitalist policies increasing workers pains, sufferings – Kogi NLC Chairman