The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, has urged the state government to follow the Federal Government’s lead and approve the N35,000 minimum wage for civil servants in the state. The call was made by the association’s chairman, Comrade Sule Ahmed Tijani, during the Annual Seminar/Workshop organized by the association.
Key points from the statement include:
- Impact of Fuel Subsidy Removal: Tijani noted that the removal of fuel subsidy had inflicted hardship on Nigerian workers, especially those in Kogi State. This hardship has also affected their ability to perform their duties effectively.
- Plight of Pensioners and Vulnerable Citizens: Tijani called on Governor Yahaya Bello to consider the plight of pensioners and other vulnerable citizens in the state and work out appropriate palliative measures for them.
- Interactions with State Government: He mentioned that organized labor groups, including the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), were already engaging with the state government to address the challenges faced by workers due to the negative economic impact.
- Civil Servants’ Political Participation: Tijani encouraged civil servants to participate actively in partisan politics, as it could be a way to improve their circumstances in the current political environment. However, he stressed the importance of maintaining loyalty and commitment to the government in power while performing their duties.
- Role of Civil Servants: The State Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Hannah Odio, emphasized that civil servants play a vital role in implementing government policies and programs. She urged civil servants to abstain from partisan politics, as it goes against the guidelines of the civil service. Instead, they should focus on professionalism and good governance.
The call for the approval of the N35,000 minimum wage reflects the ongoing discussions and negotiations regarding workers’ welfare and remuneration in Nigeria, with civil servants advocating for better compensation and improved working conditions.