Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in collaboration with its Central Working Committee (CWC), has launched the North Central Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses given to them by the federal government.
The highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of 10 CNG buses by the governor for the North Central States.
Speaking at its official inauguration on Tuesday in Lokoja, the NLC President, Comr. Joe Ajero said the CNG buses would ease transportation for workers in the state.
Ajero stressed that the collaboration was a significant step towards improving the lives of workers and residents of the state.
The NLC President urged the state government to complement the initiative by establishing gas re-filling stations for the CNG buses in the state for the benefit of the workers and the people.
“We want the state government to complement our effort and adopt the CNG development in Kogi for the benefit of workers and the entire residents of the state,” he said.
Ajero commended the state government and labour union for maintaining industrial harmony which has guaranteed peace and development in the state.
He also commended the state government for being worker-centric in all its programmes and policies, especially the prompt implementation of the new minimum wage and regular payment of workers’ salaries in the state.
He, however, called for the recruitment of more health workers and teachers, especially in basic and secondary schools, saying there was a shortage of manpower as workers were retiring daily.
He further appealed to the state government to critically look into the issue of gratuity arrears, and take a concrete step towards clearing its backlogs.
In his remarks, Gov. Ahmed Ododo commended the NLC for the initiative and for choosing Kogi as the flagship state for the North Central region to benefit from the gesture.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Elder Joel Salifu, assured the NLC President that the state government would look into the union’s requests in a bid to address them.
“We came out of the union and we belong to the union and the grassroots. We are for the grassroots and we are ready to serve the people.
“We have maintained a peaceful and cordial relationship with the labour and we will continue to improve on it.
Ododo noted that his administration had appointed over 10 labour leaders in the cabinet of the state government which had been yielding great results in prioritising workers’ welfare in the state.
“We deeply appreciate your decision to establish the base for CNG buses in the North Central Region here in Kogi State.
“This initiative will undoubtedly improve inter-and intra-state mobility, especially for the most vulnerable in our society.
“Let me assure you that our administration, will continue to prioritize the welfare of workers, sustain industrial harmony, and create an environment where every worker feels valued and empowered.
“Together, we will build a better and more prosperous Kogi State and contribute to the progress of Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
Earlier, the state NLC Chairman, Comr. Gabriel Amari said that CNG buses would be a significant development that promises to improve transportation in the state.
According to him, the initiative would enhance the workers’ performance and make a positive impact on effective service delivery in the state.
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