x

Gov Mbah Announces N25,000 Cash Awards to Enugu State Workers

Increases Social Enrollment Register to 260,000

*NLC, TUC commend governor

By Joy Osaji

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has announced cash awards of between N10,000 and N25,000 to the state workers till April 2024 while also assuring that the new minimum wage negotiation would soon be concluded.

Mbah stressed that the welfare of workers remained the priority of his administration, as his laudable goals for Enugu could not be attained without a happy workforce.

Dr. Mbah also announced an increase by his administration of the state social register enrolment from 43,000 to 260,000, promising to lift more indigent citizens through cash transfers and other social interventions.

He made these known during a joint media briefing with the state’s labour leaders at the Government House, Enugu, on Wednesday, saying the administration was also making other social interventions apart from the cash transfer to better the lives of Enugu State workers.

“As you may be aware, since the removal of the petroleum subsidy, we have been in constant negotiation with the labour unions in the state, crafting a way forward on how we can provide palliatives to our teeming workforce.

“So, by the time you put a monetary value to all the social services we have provided, it will weigh well above N100,000 minimum wage.

“But in addition to that, with effect from next month (December), we are going to also make a flat payment to all categories of our workers, beginning from our local government to the primary and secondary school teachers, and civil servants. We are going to categorise them and there will be flat payment of between N10,000 and 25,000, depending on the category. That payment is going to continue till April.

“Our hope is that by the end of April, the committee that is reviewing the minimum wage would have come out with what would then become the new minimum wage in the state. So, from there, we are just going to carry on the implementation of what is then set as the minimum wage”, he stated.

Governor Mbah reiterated the determination of his administration to achieve zero per cent poverty headcount index by 2031, saying the state had set aside N1.5 billion for social development programmes like water and sanitation in the communities in addition to constructing 260 model primary healthcare centers and 260 smart schools with accompanying teachers’ quarters.

“Importantly, the state is just concluding the update of our social register. We have now expanded our social register from 43,000 to accommodate up to 260,000 indigent people in our state. That is also a platform that we are going to use to do cash transfers to engage our indigent ones”, he added.

In their reactions, the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Fabian Nwigbo and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Benneth Asogwa, thanked the governor for his proactive steps towards the welfare of Enugu workers, saying they were happy that Enugu workers did not have to lobby, protest, or embark on strike to have their salaries and welfares addressed.

“I am overwhelmed by your pronouncements this afternoon. We are grateful for the announcement because there was no ‘war-war’ to get this. This one came on a platter of gold. We did not come begging and crying or shouting and agitating. It was out of the abundance of your heart that you decided to greet us with this big news.

“Actually, it has been great for the people of Enugu State, especially the workers under your administration. First of all, our salaries come as and when due. Our promotion is also on the way for 2023. In the past, you have to spend years before you get promoted. So, as workers, we will do all we can to ensure that this government succeeds”, Nwigbo said

Adding his voice, the TUC state chairman, Asogwa, said: “You have made us today to understand that all that you said during the election were no political promises. We have come to realise that you meant business. If you could move this far within a few months of taking over as the governor of Enugu State, that means we are very sure that our tomorrow is bright”.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

NDLEA Warns Travellers: Don’t Carry Bags You Didn’t Pack

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued...

Retired Police Officers Set for Nationwide Protest Over Pension Scheme

By Idibia Gabriel, Kaduna The Kaduna State chapter of the...

NUJ Info Chapel Hosts Workshop, Hails Commissioner, Council Leadership

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information,...

Tinubu Appoints Ismael Ahmed as Executive Chairman of Presidential CNG Initiative

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Barrister Ismael Ahmed...

Alleged ₦80.2bn Fraud: EFCC Kicks as Yahaya Bello Seeks Medical Travel Abroad

By Gabriel Udeh The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,...

Why we’re raising concerns over alleged contract scam at NNPCL – Coalition

President Bola Tinubu has been asked to terminate the...

Tinubu Assures Abuja Residents, No More ” One Chance” Attacks

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju President Bola Tinubu has assured Abuja residents...

INEC Sets August 16 for Bye-Elections in 12 States, Resumes Voter Registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced August...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img