Workers’ Day: AbdulRazaq renews commitment to workers welfare

Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has renewed his commitment to prioritise workers welfare in the state.

AbdulRazaq gave the assurance on the occasion of 2023 Workers’ Day Celebration on Monday at the state Metropolitan Square, Ilorin.

He described workers as key to any development and growth in any given society.

“I happily congratulate Nigerian workers on this August occasion of the May Day. This is a special day in the history of our great country.

“I assure you, we will continue to prioritise workers welfare and also create a friendly environment for collective growth.

“Workers deserve the best and this administration will not let you down. This administration is your own and it will always be your own,” he said.

The governor described the ceremony as the best labour day in the country today and called on workers to support his administration.

AbdulRazaq said his agenda focused on infrastructure renewal, ease of doing business, expansion of economic base through support for micro- and macro-economic activities.

He also said path of the focus was to improve regime of accountability and transparency, boost general industrial growth, agricultural development, combating environmental and climate crisis such as flooding, strengthening rule of law and ensuring adequate security with peaceful environment.

AbdulRazaq however tasked the public to embrace peace and support the incoming administration after May 29 for Nigeria to attain its destined greatness.

The state Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Muritala Saheed-Olayinka, commended the state government on prompt payment of salaries, regular promotion of workers at all levels, ensuring security and provision of harmonious and conducive environment for citizenry.

Olayinka however called on the governor to ensure payment of accumulated outstanding gratuities at both pension boards and adequate provision of fund for the boards to off-set gratuities.

He also called for the payment of teachers special allowance of 27.5 per cent to some SUBEB teachers who are eminently qualified for it.

“We want implementation of annual increment for SUBEB teachers and non-teaching staff since 2010,” he appealed.
The chairman also solicited for payment of the remaining 275 per cent arrears of teachers salaries under SUBEB.

He also appealed to AbdulRazaq to pay the salary arrears to both workers and pensioners in the local government for a period about 11 months.

Besides, Olayinka appealed for the implementation of new hazard allowance for health workers in local government areas in the state across the board.

Our correspondent also reports that the ceremony was attended by different unions, including NUT, TUC, NASU, RTEAN, NULGE and NANNMW, who participated in the opening parade.
The occasion was graced by the state Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, and the Director of Micheal Imodu National Institute for Labour Studies,(MINILS), Mr Issa Aremu.