The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) , Kogi state chapter has appealed to the state government to end the percentage salary payment to local government staff and primary school teachers in the interest development of the grassroots.
The union said the mode of payment has crippled the third tier of government and has also rendered basic education ineffective.
Chairman of NLC, Kogi state chapter, Comrade Gabriel Amari made the appeal during the 2023 workers day cerebration held in Lokoja on Monday.
“Unfortunately, the percentage salary payment to workers at local government gives rise to financial pressure and increase in rural – urban migrations.
“Your Excellency, your dissatisfaction with the percentage salary payment t was palpable in your speech during the second tenor anniversary celebration on 27th January 2022, however , it is business as usual at the local government.
“We are appealing that as your tenor draws to an end , we urge you to compel the authorities in charge of local government to restore payment of complete salaries to workers to bring them at par with their state counterparts” the NLC chairman appealed.
The NLC Chairman who also appealed to the state government to approve and release the cash backing of all arrears of staff promotion since 2015, stated that the implementation of the new national minimum wage and its consequential adjusted salary structures at the local government will improve the lives of the council workers by putting them at the same level as state workers.
He called on government at all levels to brace up for the herculean task of building a united , just and egalitarian society for the benefits of Nigerians, noting that the task are enormous but surmountable.
Speaking at the occasion, the Kogi state Governor Yahaya Bello who commended the workers for their support and cooperation , assured that his administration would continue to prioritize the welfare of workers in the state.
The Governor who was represented by the State Secretary to the Government Dr Folashade Ayo-ade Arike said a lot of effort has been put in place to end percentage salary at the local government level, assuring that the percentage payment would soon end.