Ododo Prioritising Workers’ Welfare, Says Kogi Labour Adviser
The Kogi State Government is prioritising workers’ welfare through regular payment of salaries and pensions, implementation of the national minimum wage and other interventions, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Labour Matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka, has said.
Edoka stated this on Tuesday in Ankpa Local Government Area during the Workplace Security Campaign for Tinubu/Ododo 2027, where he highlighted measures he said had improved the welfare of workers and pensioners across the state.
According to him, pensioners are now receiving their entitlements regularly, with the state government releasing N150 million monthly to the Pension Commission for pension payments.
He said the monthly allocation amounted to about N1.8 billion annually, while discussions were ongoing with the state government on securing a loan or bond to liquidate outstanding gratuities owed to pensioners.
“Today in Kogi State we are seeing a governor who is paying pensions as and when due and regularly,” Edoka said.
The labour adviser also commended the administration for being among the first state governments to implement the new national minimum wage and for granting a two-year tax holiday on the wage increase.
He further said the administration had ensured prompt payment of full salaries to local government workers.
Other interventions listed by Edoka included the full implementation of hazard allowances for doctors and other health workers, health insurance coverage for workers and pensioners, payment of promotions and promotion arrears, payment of leave bonuses and the donation of three buses to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC).
Edoka said the rising number of retirements was shrinking the workforce while increasing the number of pensioners, adding that the governor had plans for massive recruitment into the state civil service.
Addressing union leaders from the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Medical and Health Workers Union, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) and other groups, he urged workers at the grassroots to remain security-conscious and support continuity in government.
“Governor Ododo would rather work with you and keep you than rush to tax your salary. He has great respect for grassroots workers,” he told the union chairmen.
Edoka said the Workplace Security Campaign was designed to sensitise local government workers on vigilance and preparedness, while also consolidating what he described as gains recorded under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ododo.
He urged workers to make informed political choices ahead of the 2027 elections, saying such decisions were important to protecting the welfare measures and industrial harmony currently being enjoyed in the state.
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