Again, Labour urges FG to pay N30.8 bn balance of bailout funds to Kogi »

The Kogi State Chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has once again called on the federal government to promptly release its balance of the bailout funds.

The appeal for the release of funds as gathered by InsideStory is to enable the state government pay off the remaining arrears owed workers.

The NLC State Chairman, Comrade Onu Edoka made this call on Saturday at Imane in Olamaboro Local government area of Kogi State during the fund raising program organized by Eguche Akwuluma Descendant Development Union, Efachipu.

Comr. Edoka who praised the state government for carrying stakeholders along in addressing all issues relating to civil servants especially on the salary issue, said that contrary to speculations, the NLC is much satisfied with the implementation of the first tranche of the bailout funds.

The Labour leader said that the union was working effectively with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that the balance is adequately utilized to offset pending arrears when released.

He appealed to the federal government to promptly release the balance to end the hardship faced by the workers. We are also optimistic that the state will join others in the implementation of the new minimum wage. He added.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward Onoja appreciated labour for their continued support to the government despite efforts by selfish individuals to cause disaffection between government and labour.

Chief Onoja praised the leadership of NLC in the state for being objective and working with facts instead of speculations.

“You have been with us since the beginning and you know the real thing. The facts and figures are with you and you have been able to diffrenciate between truth and lies.

The Governor Bello remains committed to improving civil servants welfare and working condition. We can guarantee that when we get the balance of bailout, we will use the modalities which even the labour has hailed to pay up the remaining arrears.

Kogi will not be left behind in the implementation of the new minimum wage, we will sit with labour and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the issue is sorted accordingly”. Edward added.