NLC unveils FG’s CNG buses for North-Central States

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in collaboration with its Central Working Committee (CWC) on Tuesday unveiled the North-Central Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses given to union by the Federal Government.

The NLC President, Mr Joe Ajero, at the official inauguration of 10 CNG buses in Lokoja, expressed optimism that the CNG buses would ease transportation for workers in the state.

Ajero emphasised that the collaboration between government and NLC 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 Federal Government’s initiative by establishing gas re-filling stations for the CNG buses in the state for the benefit of the workers and other people.

“We want the state government to complement our efforts and adopt the CNG development in Kogi for the benefits of workers and the entire residents of the state,” he said.

Ajero commended the state government and labour union for maintaining industrial harmony which had 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 also called for recruitment of more health workers and teachers especially in basic and secondary schools, saying there was shortage of manpower as workers were retiring on daily basis.

He 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, Mr Joel Salifu, assured the NLC president that the state government would look into union’s requests and ensure they are addressed

Ododo, who disclosed that his administration had appointed over 10 labour leaders in his cabinet, said the initiative 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 prioritise 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, Mr Gabriel Amari, described the CNG buses as a significant development towards improving transportation in the state.

According to him, the initiative will enhance the workers’ performance and make a positive impact for effective service delivery in the state.