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Tag: workers

  • 22years after: FG Endorses pensions for retired defunct Nigeria Airways workers

    22years after: FG Endorses pensions for retired defunct Nigeria Airways workers

    The Federal Government has endorsed the pensions for retired aviation workers after almost 22 years of waiting.

    In a statement shared by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) via its official X account on Tuesday, the Agency said that the Ministry of Aviation has confirmed that disbursements will begin soon, with a pledge to ensure transparency and fairness throughout the process.

    “The Federal Government has approved the long-awaited pensions for retired aviation workers, bringing long-overdue relief to thousands who served in the sector. This decision follows years of advocacy by unions pushing for justice for retirees, especially from defunct national carriers.

    “The Ministry of Aviation confirmed that the payments will be processed soon, with a commitment to transparency,” the statement read in part.

    The payment approval also factored in former staff of the airline.

    Nigeria Airways operated from 1958 until it ceased operations in 2003 due to mismanagement, corruption, and mounting debts. It was fully owned by the Federal Government.

    Upon its closure, over 6,000 former workers were left without their full pensions and gratuities, prompting nearly two decades of demands for justice.

    The decision follows years of sustained advocacy by unions demanding justice for retired workers, particularly those from defunct national carriers.

    The statement added that stakeholders have welcomed the development. Many see it as a long-overdue step toward restoring dignity and trust in the aviation industry.

    In 2018, aviation unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) threatened to shut down Nigerian airspace over the government’s failure to release N45 billion in entitlements owed to the retirees.

    The unions condemned the delayed payments and warned the then Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, that they would not stand by while retirees continued to die without receiving their benefits.

    That same year, former President Muhammadu Buhari approved ₦22 billion for partial payment. However, union records indicate that N36 billion remained unpaid, leaving many retirees in financial distress. Some passed away while waiting for their pensions.

  • Jigawa Govt uncovers 7,000 ghost workers

    Jigawa Govt uncovers 7,000 ghost workers

    The Jigawa State Government says it has uncovered approximately 7,000 ghost workers during a verification of state employees working in various agencies and departments.

    This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Finance, Hannatu Sabo, in Dutse, the state capital, during an interview with journalists to mark Governor Umar Namadi’s two years in office.

    According to Sabo, the ghost workers refused to come forward for verification, which led to their removal from the payroll.

    “The fake employees were removed from the payroll as they failed to report for the verification exercise.

    “The government’s commitment to transparency and accountability has also been demonstrated through the verification exercise and the removal of ghost workers from the payroll,” she emphasised

    The commissioner attributed the success of the verification to the government’s efforts to streamline its workforce and eliminate fraudulent practices.

    “The Jigawa State Government’s efforts to eliminate ghost workers and streamline its workforce demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability,” she stressed

    “The exercise also led to the recruitment of new employees under the J-Health, J-Teach, and J-Agro programmes,” she added.

    Sabo highlighted the government’s commitment to paying its employees a decent salary, stating that the state is paying 100 per cent of the new salary structure, making it one of the highest-paying states in the country.

    In addition to the salary payments, the commissioner revealed that the state has received additional funds from the Federal Government, which will further boost the state’s revenue.

    “We have received additional funds from the Federal Government through the monthly allocation to the state and the local government councils, which will go a long way in supporting our development projects,” she said.

    The commissioner revealed further that the Jigawa State Government has also demonstrated its commitment to the timely payment of salaries, with employees receiving their salaries before the 25th of each month, as directed by the governor.

    “We are paying salaries before the 25th of each month to employees, as directed by the governor,” Sabo said.

    She announced that the government has made significant investments in various sectors, including education and energy, saying that “Jigawa State Government under the leadership of Governor Namadi have purchased a privately owned Khadija University in Majia, and the government has also acquired shares in the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) for the good of the citizens in the state.

    “The purchase of Khadija University and the acquisition of shares in KEDCO are expected to boost the state’s revenue and improve the quality of education and electricity supply. The government’s support for microfinance banks will also provide financial services to more citizens, especially in rural areas.”

    She also noted that during the two years of the current administration of Namadi, the state government has also supported microfinance banks in some local governments, with plans to open branches in the remaining local governments that do not have banks.

    “The governor has ordered the opening of microfinance bank branches in the remaining local governments that do not have banks,” Sabo added.

  • 240 Kano workers receive double payments, 217 share same BVN

    240 Kano workers receive double payments, 217 share same BVN

    Kano State Government said it has uncovered irregularities on its payroll involving 240 employees receiving double payments and 217 others having the same Bank Verification Number (BVN).

    Dr Sulaiman Sani, Special Adviser to the Governor on Civil Service Matters and Chairman of the State Coordinating Committee, disclosed this at a press briefing in Kano on Sunday.

    Sani, who represented the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ibrahim, said the findings emerged from a biometric verification exercise was aimed at sanitising the state’s civil service.

    According to him, the anomalies were discovered during reviews conducted by two standing committees; one for the state and another for local government payrolls.

    “The inherited shortcomings in the payroll system have continued to disturb the government.

    “We discovered that 240 employees are drawing double salaries, while 217 individuals share the same BVN,” Sani said.

    He also revealed that 1,335 employees had not reported for verification for over six months, further raising concerns about the authenticity of many names on the payroll.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the Local Payroll Government Standing Committee, Alhaji Umar Idi, said an audit exercise uncovered 247 questionable names on the local government and primary healthcare payrolls.

    Idi explained that only eight out of the 247 individuals appeared before the committee to confirm their employment status.

    “The removal of the remaining 239 names has resulted in a monthly saving of N27.8 million, which will be returned to the state and local governments’ joint account,” he said.

    Sani assured that the ongoing exercise was not punitive but it was intended to ensure that genuine workers and pensioners received their full entitlements without arbitrary deductions.

    He recalled that since the assumption of office of Gov. Abba Yusuf,his administration had prioritised the prompt payment of salaries and haf eliminated informal deductions from workers’ wages.

    “The payroll cleansing will enhance transparency and efficiency in salary administration,” Sani added.

    He further vowed that the government would continue working with the stakeholders to address all the anomalies and restore credibility to the civil service.

  • Buni approves N70,000 minimum wage for Yobe workers

    Buni approves N70,000 minimum wage for Yobe workers

    Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, has approved the payment of N70,000 new minimum wage for civil servants in the state.

    Buni, in a statement by his Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, in Damaturu on Saturday, said the payment would take effect from December.

    According to Mohammed, the approval is contained in a memo signed by the governor, following recommendations by a committee on the minimum wage earlier constituted by the state government.

    “The committee had recommended for a reconciliation of local government finances to ensure a hitch-free transition process of the local government councils from the existing salary structure to the new minimum wage.

    “The reconciliation process, which is nearing completion is expected to be concluded soon for approval, and quick enrolment of the local government employees into the new minimum wage salary structure,” he said.

    The aide said that the state government expected civil servants to reciprocate the gesture by putting in their best towards effective service delivery.

  • Diri approves N80,000 new minimum wage for Bayelsa workers

    Diri approves N80,000 new minimum wage for Bayelsa workers

    Gov. Douye Diri, of Bayelsa, has approved N80,000 as the new minimum wage for workers in the state’s civil service with effect from November 1.

    Diri also approved an increase in the monthly pension of retired workers as well as N7 billion to reduce outstanding gratuity liabilities.

    This is contained in a statement  issued on Sunday, by Daniel Alabrah, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor.

    He said Diri acknowledged the challenging times workers face in the state due to the rise in the cost of living.

    He said  the related consequential adjustments for the various sectors, as agreed with the leadership of labour in the state, would also be implemented.

    The statement read: “to address the harsh times and in line with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment Act 2024), the Prosperity Administration of governor Douye Diri has approved the sum of N80,000 as minimum wage for the state’s workers

    “Gov. Diri also approved an increase in the monthly pension of state retirees.

    “To further ameliorate the challenges of our retired senior citizens, His Excellency also approved the payment and reduction of the outstanding gratuity liabilities by Seven Billion Naira.”

    He said the governor appreciated the workers and their leadership for their understanding, patience and commitment to the policies and programmes of the administration.

  • Just in: NLC speaks on date workers will receive minimum wage salaries

    Just in: NLC speaks on date workers will receive minimum wage salaries

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, has said that federal civil servants will receive their full minimum wage salaries including arrears by the end of October.

    The meeting focused on addressing rising costs of transportation, essential goods, food items, and petrol prices.

    Among the key agreements reached, the federal government promised to pay all outstanding wage awards and arrears to workers.

    Additionally, discussions will be held with state governors to ensure the full implementation of the new minimum wage of N70,000 across the country starting from October.

    Ajaero reaffirmed this development during an interview with NTA, saying that the payments, including arrears, must be made by the end of the month.

    However, individual agencies and parastatals may negotiate specific payment dates.

    “The meeting we had was a meeting where we all agreed that they must pay by the end of this month, October including the Arrears.

    “However, if they so decide to negotiate with their various agencies and parastatals on the specific dates to pay, they have liberty to do that,” Ajaero said.

  • Ondo gov, Aiyedatiwa approves above FG’s N70,000 minimum wage

    Ondo gov, Aiyedatiwa approves above FG’s N70,000 minimum wage

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Saturday announced the implementation of N73,000 minimum wage for state government workers.

    The governor also expressed the commitment of his administration to the welfare of the people of the state.

    Recall that the Federal Government approved a sum of N70,000 minimum wage for civil servants.

    Aiyedatiwa made the announcement during the kick-off of his campaign in Ondo town, Ondo State, ahead of the November 16 governorship election.

    The governor declared that despite the fact that the Federal Government approved N70,000 as the new minimum wage, “Ondo will go a step further by paying N73,000 to our workers.”

    Addressing the mammoth crowd and the party faithful, Aiyedatiwa who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the November 16 election, urged them to convert their supports into votes for the APC to ensure the continuity of developmental initiatives across the state.

    He said, “On November 16, I urge everyone gathered here and those who are not present to convert your support into votes for the APC to ensure the continuation of our significant progress in the state.

    “Based on reports and my personal observations, I am confident that you all want this administration to continue beyond 2024. I see the love and appreciation from you, and I do not take it for granted. The best way to demonstrate this love is to vote for continuity, which will bring even more dividends of democracy.”

    Highlighting some of his achievements in his 10 months in office, Aiyedatiwa, stated that “during my time in office, we have initiated several important projects, including those started by the late governor. In agriculture, we’ve taken significant strides, boosting food production across the state.”

    He added, “We’ve also approved over a billion naira for land clearing and launched various rural road construction projects to facilitate our farmers’ activities and improve productivity in rural areas.”

    He boasted that his administration’s efforts have made doctors more willing to stay in the state instead of leaving for opportunities elsewhere, disclosing that his administration has increased doctors’ salaries and allowances.

  • Ekiti to Pay N70,000 minimum wage to workers – Gov Oyebanji

    Ekiti to Pay N70,000 minimum wage to workers – Gov Oyebanji

    Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on Saturday said workers in the state service would be paid the N70,000 new minimum wage while consequential adjustment would be added to pensions.

    Oyebanji made the announcement during the 2024 Pensioners’ Day, held in Ado Ekiti, which marks the beginning of activities for the Second Anniversary of his administration.

    The governor said that his administration was resolved to make life better for the people, adding “the minimum wage has become a law binding on all states.”

    At the occasion, Oyebanji presented cheques of the value of N3.5 billion to 829 pensioners who retired between of 2014 and March 2015.

    He highlighted some of the programmes initiated for the senior citizens to include the free Health Insurance scheme for pensioners.

    Oyebanji explained that a sum of of over N70 billion has been released in defraying the payment of gratuities, and urged the retirees to continue to pray for the success of his administration

    The chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), Mr Kolapo Olatunji, showered encomium on the Oyebanji led government for bringing succor and hope to the retirees.

    The state Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi thanked the pensioners for their support for the government over the years.

    Also, the National Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, (NUP), Mr Godwin Abumisi, who was represented by Mr Ayo Ikumapayi, and the State chairman of the Union, Mr Joel Akinola, lauded the various efforts of the governor, pledging their continue support for his administration.

  • Adeleke approves work-from-home policy for Osun workers

    Adeleke approves work-from-home policy for Osun workers

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has approved a work-from-home policy for civil servants in the state.

    Adeleke, in a circular by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Tuesday in Osogbo, said the policy was in pursuance of his commitment to the well-being of workers,

    The circular also said the approval was a response to the present economic situation in the country.

    According to the circular, the governor also announced the extension of payment of palliatives for public servants for the next two months.

    The circular also said that Grade Level (GL) 01 to 10 would go to work three times a week, while GL 12 to 17 would be at work four times a week.

    “By this circular, therefore, and until another directive is given, the working day schedules for public servants in the state have been approved as follows:

    “Public Servants on GL.01 to GL.10; three days a week, GL 12 to GL.17; four days a week.

    “This arrangements exclude those on essential duties such as medical personnel, security officers, political office holders and accounting Officers.

    “It is also important to note that arrangement as to which days each public servant in the above categories will be at work, shall be arranged by the accounting officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.

    “The governor has also graciously approved the continuation of payment of the agreed palliatives to public servants in the state for the next two months pending the commencement of the new minimum wage.

    “All accounting officers of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of governments, including Local Governments, are further directed to comply”, it said.

  • Anambra judiciary workers suspend indefinite strike

    Anambra judiciary workers suspend indefinite strike

    The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Anambra chapter  has suspended the indefinite strike it embarked upon on July 15 and directed members to resume work on Friday.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Henry Ezeoke and Mr Ugochukwu Nwezi, Chairman and Secretary of the union respectively, and made available to newsmen on Thursday, in Awka.

    The union said the decision followed a meeting between its executive members and the governor on Wednesday.

    It stated that the meeting addressed the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUS) and the implementation of the new minimum wage in the state.

    According to the union, the governor promised to set up a committee to tackle the CONJUS issue.

    “After deliberations and consideration, the congress reached a decision to suspend the ongoing indefinite strike by the branch.

    “In accordance with the decision of the congress, all staff of Anambra State Judiciary are by this notice directed to resume work tomorrow, being Friday, July, 26 2024, ” it said.