Lokoja, Kogi State – Workers in Kogi State expressed jubilation as the state government initiated the payment of 85 percent of their salaries, marking a significant improvement in their financial situation.
Local government pensioners were equally pleased as they received 100 percent of their payments, a welcome change after 16 years of waiting. The increase in payment is believed to be linked to the recent boost in allocation from the federation account.
The initiative to pay salaries on a percentage basis began in 2011 due to financial constraints and an excessively large workforce. President Bola Tinubu’s directive to states to clear salary backlogs further motivated the state government to take action in addressing the plight of workers and pensioners.
Local government employees expressed gratitude for the payments, emphasizing the need for consistency in the disbursements to alleviate the financial burden they have been facing. The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners in Kogi State commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for reinstating full pension payments after many years of partial payments.
The union praised Governor Ododo for his commitment to addressing the concerns of pensioners and acknowledged the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Deedat Ozigi Salami, for his efforts in collaboration with the governor.
The pensioners’ union highlighted their long-standing advocacy for full payments and celebrated the governor’s decision to implement their requests in the April pension payments. They expressed support for the governor’s leadership and hoped for continued success in managing the state’s affairs.
Additionally, the union recognized Governor Ododo’s appointment of Comr. Onuh Edoka as the Special Adviser on Labor Matters, applauding the governor for his inclusive approach and responsiveness to labor issues. The NUP Chairman urged members to stand in solidarity with the governor and expressed optimism about the administration’s willingness to address other pension-related issues promptly.
President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employee in Kogi State, Tade Adeyemi, also voiced support for Governor Ododo’s initiatives, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration and engagement to improve the welfare of workers and pensioners at the grassroots level.