FIC Report (Ekiti State) – Governor Biodun Oyebanji has described Nigerian workers as central to governance and national development, saying they have contributed significantly to the success of his administration’s policies and Nigeria at large.
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration themed “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” the Governor congratulated workers and restated his government’s commitment to prioritising the workforce through infrastructure development, workplace safety, regular training, and merit-based promotions across the public service.
Governor Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to improve workers’ welfare, pledging sustained reforms, better remuneration and industrial harmony. He noted that his government had maintained prompt payment of salaries, allowances, pensions and gratuities, adding that no worker was owed promotion arrears.
According to him, all outstanding promotions up to 2025 had been cleared with full financial backing.
However, the Ekiti State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Olatunde Kolapo, said worsening insecurity, deepening poverty and a failing power sector were undermining the dignity of labour and threatening national stability.
Kolapo described the security situation as dire, citing persistent kidnappings, killings and banditry nationwide. He urged the Federal Government to move beyond rhetoric and adopt practical, results-driven strategies, including a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security architecture.
He also decried the rising cost of living, noting that Premium Motor Spirit now sells for about ₦1,450 per litre in some areas, driving up transportation and service costs with workers bearing the brunt.
Despite these concerns, Kolapo commended the Ekiti State Government for implementing promotions up to 2025.
He appealed for further action in 2026, including approval of pending promotions, payment of leave bonuses and settlement of gratuities. He also called for the empowerment of the Head of Civil Service to ensure seamless promotion exercises.
Similarly, the Ekiti State Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Omotola Farotimi, advocated community policing, improved protection of farms and markets, and faster emergency response systems to strengthen security.
On the economy, Farotimi urged the adoption of a living wage, expansion of social protection programmes, improved access to credit for small businesses, and market-driven skills development. She stressed stricter enforcement of labour laws to prevent worker exploitation, warning that poor working conditions could further fuel instability.
Omotola Oluyemisi
AD (I & PRO)
01/05/2026
