From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Governor has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers in , promising sustained reforms to ensure prompt payment of salaries and pensions, improved working conditions and a more efficient civil service system.
In his message marking the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in , the governor described workers as the backbone of governance and development, stressing that his administration is focused on building a modern and competent workforce capable of delivering quality service and driving innovation in the public sector.
According to him, achievements recorded by the administration include regular payment of salaries and pensions, timely promotions and continuous engagement with organised labour to sustain industrial harmony.
Governor Ododo also commended President for reforms aimed at improving workers’ welfare and strengthening governance across the country.
He urged workers to support government efforts through diligence, integrity and patriotism, noting that the development of the state requires collective responsibility.
“As we move into a politically active period, we must remain focused on service delivery. Politics has its place, but our primary duty remains service to the people,” he said.
The governor assured workers that their contributions would continue to be recognised and called for unity and sustained productivity across the civil service.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the in Kogi State, , commended the administration for reforms in workers’ welfare but presented fresh demands in areas including employment, housing and outstanding entitlements.
Gabriel described the relationship between labour and government as cordial, noting that the governor’s participation in Workers’ Day celebrations reflects his commitment to workers’ wellbeing.
He said the 2026 Workers’ Day theme, “Insecurity and Poverty: The Bane of Decent Work,” underscores the challenges facing Nigerian workers and called for stronger collaboration between security management and economic development.
The labour leader praised interventions in security, including surveillance systems and support for traditional institutions, as well as improvements in salary payments, pension harmonisation, promotion cash backing and enrolment of retirees into the state health insurance scheme.
However, organised labour demanded the reinstatement of 441 civil servants earlier cleared by the Civil Service Commission and the recruitment of additional workers to address manpower shortages in critical sectors.
Other demands presented included reforms in the health sector, salary adjustments for primary healthcare workers, implementation of retirement age extension policies, settlement of outstanding gratuities, affordable housing schemes, improved mass transit systems, rehabilitation of water infrastructure in Lokoja, restoration of union activities in state-owned tertiary institutions and better welfare packages for judiciary staff and private school employees.
