Niger State Labour Congress Calls for Accountability in Pension and Gratuity Disbursements
By Yahaya Zakka Minna
The Niger State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the government to identify and discipline those responsible for delays in the payment of pensions and gratuities.
The call was made during a meeting at Labour House, presided over by Comrade Idrees Abdulkarim Lafene, the State Chairman.
In a communique issued after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, the organized labour expressed concerns over prevailing security issues impacting the state.
The union condemned efforts by certain individuals to undermine government efforts in pension and gratuity payments to retirees.
The NLC emphasized the need for the establishment of a disciplinary committee tasked with pinpointing and penalizing those causing delays. It also criticized individuals spreading misinformation and fostering anti-labour sentiments, affirming that such actions would not distract the leadership.
While recognizing ongoing the state government water distribution projects, the union suggested providing alternative water sources to meet residents’ needs.
Additionally, the NLC appealed to the state government to extend subsidies for farming inputs under the New Niger Agenda, promote the Niger Foods brand, and improve civil servants’ working conditions to enhance productivity.
The union urged civil servants to report grievances through their industrial unions for more effective resolution. Overall, the meeting underscored the necessity of cooperation between the government and labour to address security, social, and economic challenges in Niger State.
