The Kogi State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Gabriel Amari has praised Governor Usman Ododo for prioritising workers’ welfare through prompt payment of salaries, implementation of minimum wage and disbursement of leave bonuses.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Ismaila Isah, on Sunday, quoted Amari as stating this when the leadership of the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress paid Ododo a visit at the Government House, Lokoja.

Amari said, “Our visit here today is to express appreciation for the fulfilment of promises made to workers, especially in the areas of welfare and improved working conditions.

“The union appreciates the prompt implementation of the minimum wage, consistent and timely payment of workers’ salaries, disbursement of leave bonuses, and the extension of health insurance cover to pensioners in the state.”

The labour leaders also applauded the governor’s support for infrastructural development at the Labour House including the provision of a functional borehole, a 33kva electricity line, and a new transformer.

Similarly, NULGE executives, led by Mohammed Sanusi, expressed satisfaction with the governor’s attention to the welfare of local government workers.

They also commended the full implementation of the minimum wage and prompt payment of 100 per cent salaries at the grassroots level.

The governor asked civil servants in the state not to see salary payments as a privilege but as their right.

The governor said, “Your salary is your right and not a privilege. We are here to serve and my administration will continue to uphold the dignity of labour and ensure that workers receive what is due to them,” he said.

Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a public service system where civil servants can thrive, adding that the government values the cooperation and partnership of organised labour in achieving its development goals.