FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – As workers in the country commemorate May Day, 2025, the Nasarawa State chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have lamented the poor electricity supply being experienced by residents across the state’s 13 local government areas.
Organised labour also called on the state government to improve the welfare packages of workers, especially staff of tertiary institutions, who have yet to benefit from the N70,000 approved by the Federal Government.
The state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ismaila Okoh, made the call during the event, which was held at City Stadium in Lafia, the state capital.
While noting that issues of power outages had been severely reported by communities to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, with no solution in sight, Okoh urged the state government to conduct a proper investigation into the matter to unravel the reason for the blackouts.
He added, “There is a need for collaboration with the AEDC to improve electricity supply in Lafia, the state capital and other parts of the state. This is because the plight of the power sector has not changed over time.
“The only way to make progress in the power sector, which is crucial for state and national development, is to review the approach of finding a lasting solution which will boost economic activity within the state.”
The state NLC chairman also requested an upper review payment for the state and local government pensioners due to the current economic hardship in the country, so as to give succor to the senior citizens who may currently be battling with terminal illnesses.
He further called for the establishment of the state’s Research, Innovation and Training Centre for civil servants, noting that it would help to boost research to improve the various sectors of the state.
Okoh explained that a lack of research could reduce the pace for maximum productivity from civil servants in the state, hence the need for the state government to expedite action on the matter, adding that research is a basic necessity towards the technological advancement of any state or nation.
While emphasising the need for the state government to improve the welfare of workers generally, the NLC chairman noted that no society can make progress by excluding the workers and the masses from having an equitable share of the state’s resources.
“If we are serious about increasing productivity and making progress as a state, then we must seek ways of ensuring that the rights and privileges of workers are not only protected but that they are granted unparalleled access.
“To this end, we suggest deliberate action by the government to expand and strengthen the state’s existing social security framework in order to sustain the peaceful condition enjoyed in the state. This will deepen the engagement of workers in all areas and provide higher productivity,” he added.
On his part, the state chairman of Trade Union Congress, Mohammed Doma appealed to Governor Abdullahi Sule for tax relief to all civil servants in the state, noting that the fuel subsidy removal had threatened the survival of civil servants and rendered the N70,000 minimum wage recently implemented ineffective.
He further urged the governor to, as a matter of urgency, work towards paying the arrears of the N70,000 minimum wage to workers in the state, noting that it was long overdue.
The TUC chairman, however, commended Sule for his intervention in resolving the long-lingered crisis of pensioners, which was in court, but has now been withdrawn, and expressed his gratitude to the patriotic, and the concerned groups of pensioners for the maturity and agreement to opt for out-of-court settlement in the interests of the state.
“Our collective resolve, resilience, and victory that resulted in the minimum wage implementation in the state show our resolve to reclaim the civil space. While we also thank the state government for agreeing to the implementation, I call on all workers to redouble our efforts in our various places of work to ensure optimum productivity,” he added.
Governor Abdullahi Sule was represented by the state’s Head of Service, Barr. Abigail Waya acknowledged the challenges faced by workers in the midst of the economic hardships.
The Governor emphasised the importance of protecting democratic spaces, where dialogue and progress can thrive.
He explained that his administration had made significant steps towards empowering workers, noting the implementation of the new minimum wage of N70,000 in December 2024, following the consequential adjustment of the 2019 N30,000 minimum wage.
While noting that the state government has prioritised job creation and career advancement, Sule said, “Thousands of teachers, medical personnel, and casual workers have been absorbed into permanent positions. Over 3,200 civil servants were promoted between 2018 and 2023, with outstanding promotions approved for state-owned institutions.
“To enhance service delivery, this administration has invested in training civil servants, updating them with modern trends and global standards. The embargo on in-service training has been lifted, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and development.”
Signed
ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA.
