WORKERS DAY; GOV. ALMAKURA LAYS EMPHASIS ON CIVIL SERVICE DEVELOPMENT.
NasReports - Godson Ikpontu.

Gov. Tanko Almakura has assured civil servants in Nasarawa state of policies and projects that will improve and promote service delivery in the sector.

He made this statement during a speech he delivered during the may workers day celebration in Lafia, Nasarawa state. He congratulated civil servants for joining their counterparts in celebrating this remarkable day that is geared at promoting the plights of a better working condition for civil servants.

Gov. Almakura went on to recall that since the 4th of May, 1886 in Chicago, United States, the labour movement has continued to engender fruitful Government-Labour relationship aimed at bridging the gap between workers and their employers. This symbiotic relationship, no doubt, enhances productivity, industrial harmony and decent welfare for the workforce. This relationship has become a harbinger for both parties to create opportunities for synergy towards elevating the dignity of labour and creating the desired environment for efficient and effective service delivery.

He stressed on his promises prior to his assumption of office, he says "since our assumption of office about seven years ago, I made a solemn commitment to make the public servants the pivot of this Administration. This is based on my conviction that, without good policy implementation, policy formulation will remain a mere theory and, indeed, a mirage.

However, he stated that, It is on this premise that our first major assignment in office in 2011 was to place the workers of Nasarawa State at per with their counterparts at the Federal level. In this regard, we approved the implementation of the various salary structures of all categories of public servants in the State, including the National Minimum Wage of N18,900 for the mainstream civil servants. This, we did, believing that it is the only way that we will inspire our workers to give in their best in the implementation of policies and programmes of Government.

In the same vein, as a labour-friendly Government, Gov. Almakura revealed that his administration has always consulted the organized labour in a wide range of issues, especially as they concern the welfare of the public servants in the State. This synergy he says has continued to strengthen our relationship and paved ways for roundtable solutions to any labour-related issues. This is notwithstanding industrial actions sometimes embarked upon by Labour which is understandable.

He also stressed on some of the deficiencies that affected the inability of his administration, which he says was as a result of the economic recession witnessed globally in recent times. Government at all levels was faced with the challenge of meeting the competing demands of the people. This greatly affected our obligation to pay workers’ salaries as at when due. However, I am happy to state that we are up to date in the payment of 100% salaries to our workers. I assure you that we would sustain this endeavour until the end of this Administration.

By the same token, he assured that his government will continue to create conducive working environment for workers in the State. In other words, the welfare of workers will always remain topmost in our policy agenda. It is for this reason that we have sustained our vehicle and furniture revolving loans for civil servants to boost their morale. Similarly, Government is considering lifting the embargo
on in-service training to give our public servants the opportunity to undergo training and retraining with a view to upgrading their capacities for improved productivity in tune with the global best practices.

While reacting to his concerns on the housing needs of civil servants, he revealed the completed 500 Housing Units at Doma road which provided accommodation for deserving workers. He also identified the release of the sum of One Hundred and Fifteen Million Naira (N115,000,000.00) to the beneficiaries which enables them to carryout renovation works on the houses.

He says "we are also considering the possibility of allocating other Government structures to civil servants on owner-occupier basis as a means of easing accommodation problems. Government is also facilitating the construction of 100 Housing Units along Kwandere- Keffi road by the Federal Mortgage Bank and has allocated a parcel of land for the construction of the estate for the benefit of our public servants".

The Nasarawa state Governor also assured workers of his determination to provide succour to Senior Citizens, he says "we are consistent in the payment of their pension and gratuity. Just last year, we released the sum of Three Hundred Million (N300,000,000.00) Naira for payment of gratuity to State Government retirees with emphasis on the sick, widows, widowers, the physically challenged, the aged and other disadvantaged groups in the society. In the same spirit, Government has also released the sum of Two Hundred Million (N200,000,000.00) Naira for payment of gratuity to Local Government retirees".

Gov. Almakura captured the medium to sympathize with the hardship faced by Local Government workers. He says that it is, indeed, disheartening to note that our workers at the Local Government level are still bearing the consequences of percentage payment as their take-home salaries. To be honest, this situation is pathetic and worrisome. Concerned by this trend, I have decided to personally engage stakeholders at the Local Government administration to devise ways of putting an end to the percentage salary payment.

He concluded by commending the efforts of civil servants. But till date civil servants in Nasarawa state remains the most unhappy workers in the state.