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

By Peter Uwumarogie

The Nigeria Labour Congress, Gombe State Council, has urged the state governor, Inuwa Yahaya, to ensure the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for local government workers in the state.

Its Chairman, Mr Yusuf Bello, made the demand while delivering his speech on Thursday at the Pantami Township Stadium, Gombe, during the commemoration of the 2025 Workers’ Day in the state.

Bello said the appeal became necessary given the economic situation in the country which was affecting all workers, irrespective of levels.

He said it had become a concern that should be considered as it was the right of the LG workers to enjoy the new wage.

“While we sincerely commend your unwavering commitment and strong political will in advancing the development of our beloved state, we feel compelled to bring a few pressing issues to your attention.

“We are confident that, true to your characteristic determination, enthusiasm, and dedication, Your Excellency will consider these concerns with the aim of finding lasting solutions.

“Effective implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for local government workers is essential, as it is a rightful entitlement.

“They endure the same economic challenges as their counterparts in the state workforce and should be treated accordingly,” he said.

Bello also appealed for an upward review in the monthly pensions of retirees at both the state and local government levels to help retirees cope with the rising cost of living.

He further advised the state government to recruit additional personnel or consider transferring manpower from the local government to the state civil service.

He emphasised that such would help in addressing the gap created in the state civil service as a result of retirements, transfers, and voluntary withdrawals from service.

Bello commended the Yahaya-led administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers in the state while assuring the state government of the council’s support in achieving the desired goals of governance.

On his part, the State Deputy Governor, Manassah Jatau, said that the Yahaya-led administration had demonstrated commitment to the welfare and well-being of workers in the state.

Jatau said the prompt payment of salaries and the fact that the state was among the first states to implement the national minimum wage showed the commitment of the state government to the welfare of workers.

Responding to the demands by NLC, Jatau said, “I wish to assure you that all these will be looked into.

“Indeed, most of them are already being worked on by the committee set up to handle them.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Oluwafunke Ishola

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Senior Special Assistant to Lagos Governor on Transportation, Mr Toyin Aremu, says more than 600 drivers and conductors benefited from the EcoMove Lagos medical outreach.

Aremu said this in an interview with newsmen at the sideline of the EcoMove Lagos grand finale and award presentation on Wednesday.

He said the drivers and conductors were urged to prioritise their health during the medical outreach because health is wealth.

“The first day was the clean-up of mechanical villages in Lagos and this was done simultaneously.

“We have more than 100 mechanic villages in Lagos and clean ups were done simultaneously to reduce environmental hazard and emission and it will be a continuous effort.

“The government told the mechanics to make sure that it is a continuous effort.

“Together, we are partnering with them because we believe they are the integral part and key stakeholders when it comes to issue of transportation,” he said.

He added that the movement toured Lagos to experience the waterways through the Lagos State Ferry Services, rail and Bus Rapid Transit buses.

“This showcases the heritage of Lagos, what the state stands for as the second largest economy in Africa.

“The take home for Lagos residents is to ensure that government infrastructure is protected, take ownership of them because it is meant for their use, make sure the environment is clean and hygiene for people to move around,” he said.

Earlier, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the state government was intentional in adopting an affordable and sustainable transport system due to the size of the state.

“Lagos is the smallest state in terms of land size and one third of the land mass is covered by water.

“Lagos State has introduced the Omi-Eko project which will see to the dredging of the waterways and introduction of electric vessels.

“The state is going green, and this will be done in a sustainable manner. 50/100 electric buses are coming in, 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas are also coming in.

“The more buses we have, the less cars on the road and this will reduce emissions,” he said.

Also, the General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr Babatunde Ajayi, noted that transportation distance one covers contribute to quality of life.

He added that all activities in life had significant impact on the environment and so the need to make the environment eco-friendly.

“We need the environment to survive and have quality of life,” he said.
Ajayi added that LASEPA and the Lagos Computerised Vehicle Inspection Service had partnered for greener mobility.

Also, the Commissioner for Transportation, Ekiti State, Mr Kehinde Ajobiewe, said the theme of the event showed the urgency for leaders and policy makers to ensure transport system impacts positively on the environment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that awards were given to transport stakeholders that had contributed to the growth of the sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Joan Nwagwu

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called on governments, employers to harness technology including Artificial Intelligence, to create safer, healthier workplaces for workers across the globe.

Mr Gilbert Houngbo, the Director-General of ILO, said this in a message to mark the 2025 World Day for Safety and Health at Work, in Abuja.

Houngbo said this was imperative while ensuring that the innovation would protect workers’ rights and well-being.

“Every worker, everywhere, has the right to a safe and healthy working environment. This is a fundamental right.

“And yet millions of workers around the world continue to die or injured themselves or fall sick because of work.

“Many lose their lives trying to earn a living. We must change this.

“The use of technology for good can help us to make important strides. Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies can help transform the workplace into a safer and healthier space,” he said.

He said that robotics, automation could operate in hazardous environments and take on the dangerous tasks such as the operation of extreme temperatures, handling toxic materials, or navigating disaster zones.

He added that they could also ease physical strain, supporting caregivers in hospitals, assisting with heavy lifting in construction, and reducing repetitive work in factories.

He said that smart sensors and digital monitoring could detect risks before accidents happen by checking air quality tracking, fatigue or alerting to unsafe movement and behaviours.

“But innovation can also carry significant risks. The rise of worker surveillance and algorithm management can threaten workers’ rights, dignity, and well-being.

“New technologies can also introduce new risks that are not yet fully understood.

“We have a responsibility to understand safety and health risks that come with technological innovation. We have a responsibility to ensure that technology is used for good.

“That is why the digital transition must be human-centred. It must make workplace safer and healthier and more sustainable and inclusive.

“On this World Day for Safety and Health at Work, I call on governments, employers, workers and innovators to build a future of work that is not only smarter, but also safer and healthier,” he said.

Also, Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director to Nigeria told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Federal Government had taken bold step to ratify all the conventions that were related to occupational safety and health.

“We have also been collaborating with the Ministry of Labour and Employment to support the development of legislation, frameworks that will ensure that we are moving forward.

“We will ensure that we are translating the conventions into national policies and national frameworks,” she said.

Phala added that it was the responsibility of the employers and everyone to make sure that they provided the safety that all workers required to be productive and to be able to conduct their work safely. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu