Labour happy with Federal Government for bailing out states

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commended the Federal Government for bailout fund released to state governors to clear the backlog of salaries owed to state workers.

In a statement signed by Dr Peter Ozo-Eson, the General Secretary of the congress, the NLC commended the President for the release of N714 billion intervention fund to state governments to pay the arrears of workers’ salaries.

“We would want to register our appreciation to the Government of the Federation for releasing intervention fund to the states. This intervention, no doubt, is a gesture that will go a long way in enabling the states to discharge their obligations to the citizenry." the statement read.

The bailout was said to extend to all states, not only those owing workers as “this would have been tantamount to rewarding profligacy”. "We are happy that President has made this happen.” the statement further stressed.

State governors have been warned to ensure the funds were disbursed for the purpose for which they have been released, to pay workers arrears of salary owed. The labour movement therefore urged the president to ensure governors disburse the intervention funds accordingly. 

The NLC would ensure that any reported case of misapplication is met with an appropriate response from the congress, vowing to ensure its state councils across the country monitored the disbursement and utilization of the fund.

The statement also requested that the Federal Government urgently pay the full arrears of salaries and pensions owed workers and retirees.