From Taiye Joseph
Civil servants in Kwara State have welcomed the government’s approval of the 2023 promotion exercise, a move expected to boost morale within the workforce.
The Acting Head of Service, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim, announced this during the State Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JNC) Delegates’ Conference in Ilorin, assuring that promotion letters would soon be distributed to deserving workers.
Speaking on behalf of the acting HoS, the Director of Establishment, Pension, Management Staff, and Training, Mr. Abayomi Adebisi, reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of workers.
“The state government remains dedicated to ensuring civil servants are rewarded for their dedication and service,” he said.
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Labour leaders at the event acknowledged the development but called for further action to address workers’ demands.
The Senior Special Assistant on Labour to the Governor, Comrade Abdulmumuni Onagun, assured that the government would continue engaging labour unions. “We recognise the concerns raised, and they will be given due attention in light of the economic realities,” he stated.
National Chairman of the JNC, Comrade Benjamin Anthony, speaking through the General Secretary, Comrade Waheed Sikiru, lamented the plight of retirees. “Those who served this nation meritoriously should not be left to suffer. The backlog of promotions and annual increments must be cleared completely,” he urged.
The State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Muritala Olayinka, highlighted the hardship faced by workers due to inflation. “The rising cost of living has made monthly salaries almost meaningless. The federal government must assemble a competent economic team to address this crisis,” he stressed.
Similarly, the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Olayinka Onikijipa, commended the JNC leadership for its negotiation skills, particularly in the recent minimum wage discussions. “We will continue working with JNC to secure better welfare for workers in Kwara State,” he assured.
JNC State Chairman, Comrade Saliu Oluwole Suleiman, urged the government to reconsider its new tax policy on workers, arguing that it undermines the gains of the minimum wage. “A review is necessary to ensure workers truly benefit from the wage increase,” he said, also calling for a prompt implementation of consequential adjustments for pensioners.
Delivering a lecture on trade union leadership, former NLC Chairman in Kwara State, Comrade Emmanuel Ayeoribe, outlined key leadership skills necessary for effective unionism. He emphasised the need for visionary and ethical leadership, particularly in times of economic crisis. “The current global challenges demand leaders who can champion industrial democracy and social justice,” he noted.
As Kwara workers celebrate the promotion approval, labour leaders remain firm in their push for further improvements to salaries, taxation, and pension benefits, ensuring that civil servants and retirees are not left behind.
