By Stephen Adeleye

The organised labour union in Kogi has urged Gov. Ahmed Ododo to address the perennial water scarcity in Lokoja by urgently restoring the Lokoja Greater Water Works to meet the ever-increasing demand.

The state Council Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Gabriel Amari, and that of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ahmed Tijani, made the appeal during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration on Thursday in Lokoja.

Amari, who spoke on behalf of workers said, “We wish to commend your effort in reviving the Old Lokoja Water Works within a record time.

“However, the scale of treatment and reticulation from the Old Lokoja Water Works cannot meet even one-tenth of the entire water demand in Lokoja metropolis.

“Sir, water scarcity adversely affects the productivity of workers. The daily search for water has pushed residents to rely on untreated sources, thereby exposing them to waterborne diseases and other health-related risks.

“Moreover, in their quest for water, the indiscriminate drilling of boreholes has depleted the basement aquifer to an alarming level, which poses a serious threat to future generations.

“To solve the perennial water scarcity in Lokoja, there is an urgent need to repair and restore the Lokoja Greater Water Works to meet the ever-increasing demand.

“Your Excellency, you are known as a jinx-breaker, and we believe you can finally break the infamous jinx of “water, water everywhere in Lokoja, but not a drop to drink.”

The workers also appealed to the governor to make efforts towards offsetting the accumulated gratuity to ameliorate the plight of the affected retirees in the state.

“We are not unmindful of the state government’s efforts in addressing critical areas that affect the retirees.

“We are also concerned about their fate in view of their plight having dedicated the greater part of their youthful years towards the development of the state, with nothing to fall back to after retirement, safe for hope.

The unions also drew the governor’s attention to the need for the implementation of outstanding promotion, in some cases up to six years with cash backing including incremental rates.

“This will usher in a more result-oriented civil service to effectively implement government planned policies and programmes,” he said.

The unions, however, praised the Ododo administration’s giant strides since assumption of office in all facets of the economy, ranging from infrastructural development, human capital development, agriculture and health sub-sector, amongst others.

The unions also commended the governor for prompt implementation of the new national minimum wage, timely and regular payment of salaries, pensions harmonisation, workers’ training and re-training, as well as appointment of labour leaders in his administration.

In his remarks, Ododo commended the organised labour for their unwavering commitment to the development of the state and the nation at large, saying they are the engine room of economic development.

The governor assured the union of his administration’s commitment to prioritise workers welfare.

This, he said, was a testament to the immediate implementation of the national minimum wage, prompt payment of salaries, as well as the one year tax free policy on the minimum wage.

Ododo noted that his administration, on assumption of office, had been releasing N100 million monthly for gratuity, saying N1.2 billion had been released in one year for payment of backlog of gratuity to give the much-needed relief to the retirees.

He promised to promptly review all the requests of the labour unions for consideration and implementation for the benefit of the people of Kogi. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/ Isaac Ukpoju