LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Benue State Nigeria Labour Congress Chairman, Terungwa Igbe, has asked the state government to settle all unpaid salaries arrears and pensions of workers.
Igbe, who decried the plight of workers in the state, made the call at the state secretariat along Otukpo road instead of IBB square, the usual venue where workers celebrate May Day.
He indicated that the workers opted for a low-key celebration, due to huge salary arrears being owed by the state government.
The NLC Chairman also demanded the harmonisation of all workers’ retirement age from 35 years of service to 40 years and attainment of 65 years of retirement age instead of the present 60 years.
He said: “At the local government level, teachers are owed, 11 months; workers were being owed 10 months arrears of salary. At the state level, workers are owed eight months and pensioners are owed 38 months respectively.
Meanwhile, Governor Samuel Ortom expressed appreciation to workers in the state for their unalloyed support and resilience over the years.
The Governor who spoke on 1 May in a solidarity message to workers issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Ikyur, to mark the 2023 Workers’ Day celebration, said despite the economic challenges, workers in the state have “remained undaunted and faithful.”
He blamed insecurity for the economic crisis currently ravaging the State.
The statement reads partly: “The past years have been challenging for all of us and I know that many of you have faced difficult circumstances and uncertainties in your workplaces like payment of salaries and other allowances.
“The situation has been worsened by insecurity in the state. Yet, you have had to adapt to new working conditions and navigate a rapidly changing economic landscape.
“But through it all, you have persevered and shown incredible resilience. Your dedication and commitment to your jobs and our communities are an inspiration to us all.”
