In commemoration of this year’s Workers Day celebration, workers in Sokoto State, under the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress and their counterparts, the Trade Union Congress, have called on the governor of the state, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, to implement wage awards for his members.
The state chairman of the NLC, Comrade Abdullahi Jungle, stated this in his May Day address at the Gingiya Memorial Stadium, Sokoto, commending the governor for sustaining the early payment of salaries of workers as well as the payment of fifty per cent salary to all workers during Ramadan month.
While talking about the check-off dues being owed to its members, the chairman appeals to the state governor to ensure the remittance of dues deducted from the time of the previous administration.
“We want to use this opportunity to appeal to you, sir. Please pay us the wage award. We appreciate what you have been doing since your assumption of office, which includes the distribution of palliatives, payment of half the salary to workers, and the Ramadan package, among others.
“We also want you to please help us pay our outstanding check-off dues. The money was deducted by the previous administration but was never remitted back to the account.
“We have some of our staff now that have not received salaries in the last six months due to a paucity of funds,” he appealed.
In his remarks, the state governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, reiterated the commitment of his administration to invest in building the capacity of the state workforce through regular training that will equip them for effective performance and service delivery.
He assured workers of an improved welfare package and better conditions of service, so as to bring out the best in the workforce.
While speaking on the check-up dues, he said, “I want to assure you that the days of withholding check-up dues and other funds belonging to organised labour in the state are over.
“My administration will ensure the labour movement is given the latitude to operate optimally.”
The governor further said his administration is constructing five hundred housing units in addition to the acquisition of the federal government housing units located in the state so as to meet the accommodation needs of workers and other members of society.
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