Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State Government has commended the organised labour in the state for the existing industrial harmony and collaboration since the the present administration came to office.
The Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Mr Chika Ugwuoke, made the commendation at a meeting with labour leaders in the state on Monday in Enugu.
The commissioner said the meeting was aimed at appreciating the organised labour leaders in Enugu for their contributions to the relative peace in the state.
He hailed Gov. Peter Mbah for giving a listening ear to issues of workers welfare and implementation of the new minimum wage.
According to him, with your peaceful engagements with the government, Enugu State has remained number one in labour matters in Nigeria.
“So this gathering is not part of any structured agenda by the state but as a ministry, we considered it best way to start the New Year. It is not only when we are talking of wage increase that we interphase.
“You have shown concern as far as labour matter is concerned with tremendous understanding. With your support, we will increase our plans for productivity in 2025,” he said.
Ugwuoke said the ministry would develop a relationship with the private sector that would enrich the labour force in the state and collaborate with them to see how they could create more jobs for the youths.
“We want to champion a course for good welfare of those working in the private sector. We want to see minimum wage in public sector being implemented in the private sector,” he said.
In his remarks, Dr Godwin Anigbo, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, also expressed profound gratitude for the collaboration between the government and the organised labour.
He noted that during the wage increase negotiation by a way of sacrifice and commitment of both parties, they were able to establish a common ground.
“We will continue to thank and appreciate all your efforts and commitment. Being a labour leader is not an easy task because people you lead expect a lot from you.
“It takes dexterity, leadership, trust and credibility for both parties to make progress and Gov. Mbah has remained committed to the welfare of our citizens and workers inclusive. We are very grateful for this partnership,” he said.
Responding, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, said the labour leaders were happy about the meeting, adding that it was the first time they were being invited for such meeting.
“I want to tell you that the organised labour leaders are happy with Enugu State Government and your ministry in particular.
“While we appreciate the government of Enugu State and the labour ministry, we want the government to look at the issue of minimum wage as we have some few observations.
“These observations have not been addressed. We want to appeal to you to bring this to table for discussion.
“We know that Mbah is a labour friendly governor and we are thinking that these identified loopholes are probably without his notice.
“Creating opportunity for him to hear us out will solve the whole issue,” he appealed.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Benedict Asogwa, also appealed to the state government to holistically address the issue of consequential adjustment of the new minimum wage and ensure pension harmonisation in the state.
