1st May, 2023
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday said his administration has paid N51.7 billion to pensioners in the state.
He spoke at the 2023 Worker’s Day Celebration, themed “Worker’s right and Social Economic Justice” held at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
He reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and working conditions of the workers in the State as government is not unmindful of the challenges of the time.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat added that the government remained committed to resolving all outstanding issues affecting the welfare and service entitlements of all workers in the state.
He added that “Given our commitment and disposition to meeting workers and labour’s requests in matters of welfare and security, we will go down in history as one of the best workers-friendly administration in the State”.
Sanwo-Olu said “I wish to place on record that our administration has always prioritized the payment of workers’ salaries and emoluments in addition to improving their welfare generally.”
Speaking further, the governor disclosed that his administration in the last four years, has continued to ensure that the state Workers are provided with the right tools and environment to excel with robust welfare packages.
Sanwo-Olu added that as a demonstration of the genuine commitment, his government, at the beginning of the year, took the decision to raise workers’ salaries by 20% to cushion the effect of raising inflation and cost of living generally.
“We equally have never waived in meeting our commitment to workers under the contributory Pension Scheme” he said.
He said his government would continue to provide the basic needs of the people and the right kind of leadership anchored on transparency and accountability.
The governor thanked the workers for their support and cooperation which made it possible for his re-election.
He, therefore, urged all workers in the state to join his government to deliver greater and impactful dividends of democracy to all Lagosians as his administration begins a new term in office.
Tthe Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige stated that the Federal Government would continue to pursue policies, provide the necessary tools for service delivery and prioritize workers’ rights and socioeconomic justice in the country.
He added that “the workers are the major tools in the economic capital, which is a critical factor in the production team, as a matter of fact, no nation can attain development without adequately and positively utilizing its manpower”.
The Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola urged the State workers to understand their right as encapsulated in the Nigerian Labour Law to avoid their rights being trampled upon by employers of labour.
He assured that this administration would continue to meet its obligations and responsibilities as far as enforcing workers rights and socio-economic justice were considered, charging all civil servants in all sectors to re-energize themselves in promoting developmental agenda of state government in a bid to achieve a greater Lagos.
Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle stated that the State Government has taken steps to uphold workers’ rights and ensure economic justice for the workers.
Chairmen of Lagos State Chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Agnes Sessi and Trade Union Congress, Comrade Gbenga Ekundayo, both commended the state government for her commitment to the improvement of staff welfare which brought about improvement in the monthly bond allocation since inception of the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration in 2019 and April 2023 payment of N5 billion to 1800 retirees in the state.
They expressed their unions’ readiness to partner with the state government in the new vision for Lagos State rising.