Wale Jagun
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and working conditions of the workers in the State, stating that his government is not unmindful of the challenges of the time.
The Governor gave this assurance today while speaking at the 2023 Worker’s Day Celebration, themed: “Worker’s Right and Social Economic Justice” held at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, added that the government remains committed to resolving all outstanding issues affecting the welfare and service entitlements of all workers in Lagos.
“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 administrations in the State”, he said.
“I wish to place on record that our administration has always prioritised 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 averred that as a demonstration of genuine commitment, his government, at the beginning of the year, decided to raise workers’ salaries by 20% to cushion the effect of raising inflation and cost of living generally.
While highlighting the efforts of the government in ensuring a better welfare, Sanwo-Olu noted that his government has paid over N51.7billion in pensions and prompt payments of workers’ salaries since the beginning of his administration.
“We equally have never waived the in meeting our commitment to workers under the contributory Pension Scheme”, he added.
He said his government will continue to provide the basic needs of the people and the right kind of leadership anchored on transparency and accountability.
While thanking the workers for their support and cooperation which made it possible for his reelection, Sanwo-Olu 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.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige stated that the Federal Government will continue to pursue policies, provide the necessary tools for service delivery and prioritise workers’ rights and socio – economic justice in the country.
“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 utilising its manpower”, he said.
The Head of Service, Mr. 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 will continue to meet its obligations and responsibilities as far as enforcing workers rights and socioeconomic justice are considered, charging all civil servants in all sectors to re-energize themselves in promoting developmental agenda of the state government in a bid to achieve a Greater Lagos.
Speaking further he stated that “I dare say that the harmonious relationship that exists between the State Government and labour is a true reflection of the premium placed on employees’ right and social justice by this administration”.
In her address the Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle stated that the State Government has taken steps to uphold worker’s rights and ensure economic justice for the workers.
She added that “the State Government brings dignity to our workers through regular and prompt payment of salaries whilst we offer other entitlements. We try to build a society and social justice from the basis of our daily interactions”.
In their addresses at the occasion, the 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.
