The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Borno State chapter, has said that some retirees in the state were still being paid N4,000 monthly as pension.

The NLC Chairman, Mr Yusuf Inuwa, said this in an address to mark the 2024 May Day celebration, on Wednesday in Maiduguri.

He advocated for upward review of the pension to improve the social and economic wellbeing of retirees.

“Your Excellency, we wish to table before you that as at this moment there are some pensioners who are still receiving N4,000 as pension per month which is grossly inadequate.

“We, therefore, pray for His Excellency intervention for upward review of the monthly pension”, Inuwa pleaded.

He also called for the implementation of the national minimum wage, payment of outstanding leave and transport grants to local government employees in the state.

The NLC chairman, who noted the commitment of the workers towards the transformation agenda of the state government, lauded the Babagana Zulum’s administration for the feat achieved in the area of workers’ welfare.

He listed some of the achievements to include implementation of promotion benefits to workers in the mainstream, payment of gratuities to families of deceased workers, and provision of subsidised buses for workers and members of the public.

Also, the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Babayo Hamma, urged the state government to adopt the minimum wage aporoved by the Federal Government.

The state deputy governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, lauded the harmonious relationship between labour and the state government.

Kadafur who listed some of the training opportunities provided for the workers including the N2 billion free interest facility, reiterated government to the welfare and training of workers.

Also, Prof. Ibrahim Umara of Political Science Department, University of Maiduguri, who highlighted the theme of this year’s May Day, “The People First”, called for proactive active measures to address energy crisis in the country.

He urged government to adopt siund policies that would enabled the Dangote Refinery,  to supply fuel at a subsidised rate to service local consumption.

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has said the state government will launch its own local security outfit that will consist of ten thousand youths before the end of May.

He the outfit will complement the efforts of the other security agencies in tackling security challenges bedeviling the state.

Governor Alia stated this on Tuesday during the Stakeholders Meeting of the All Progressives Congress, APC, held at Government House, Makurdi.

He appreciated the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies in securing the country and the state.

Gov Alia said the launch of the State owned security outfit will aid in securing Benue communities, enabling farmers to access their farm lands without fear.

He said his administration is already working towards procuring Hilux vans and motorcycles that will be used by the security outfit to access the nooks and crannies of the state.

Gov Alia informed the stakeholders that some enemies of the state had gone to invite unknown gunmen to come into Benue and destabilize its peace, but that the government has been able to push the invaders back to where they came from.

He said his admnistrarion will continue to do so until they are all gone, to enable the farmers return to farm to ensure food security for the state.

Gov Alia further explained that some local government areas, such as Kwande, Ukum, Logo, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Apa, Agatu, are still affected by the attacks, but that the state government will not rest on its oars until the state becomes much safer.

President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured Nigerian workers that the National Assembly and the Executive will work together toward giving them a living wage and better working conditions.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Eseme Eyiboh the Special adviser on media and publicity to the senate president in Abuja on Wednesday.

He extolled the sterling qualities that stood out the Nigerian worker, saying that a Nigerian worker was noted for his patriotism, hardwork, resilience, and dedication to duty.

“I am happy to be associated with the Nigerian worker as in the last 25 years and I can attest to the fact that everywhere you go, the Nigerian worker’s spirit resonates profoundly.”he said .

Akpabio,assured that the National Assembly under his leadership was more than committed to ensuring the best working conditions for the workers .

“No Nigerian worker will again be allowed to work under inhuman conditions,we will do everything to give you the best because you deserve the best.”

Akpabio said the theme,
“Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate,” was apt and in tune with international best practices, assuring that Nigeria will never be left behind,”he said.

He said the 10th National Assembly was fully committed toward providing the required laws aimed at protecting the interest of the Nigerian worker by creating a befitting working environment and a reasonable pay that takes them home.

“On behalf of the Senate and the entire National Assembly and indeed, my family, I wish to join the world in wishing the Nigerian worker a happy International Labour Day” he said.

” We are celebrating patriotism, hardwork, commitment and dedication exhibited by the Nigerian workers.

” I want to assure you that your sacrifices would never be in vain,the tough times will not last forever, in fact, the challenges would soon be over,” Akpabio said.