Nasarawa state government has moved to reduce the anticipated hardship that may occur as a result of the dwindling price of crude oil in the world market and the coronavirus outbreak.
Governor Abdullahi A. Sule stated the state government’s position during a meeting of critical stakeholders held at the Government House Lafia, Friday.
Speaking at the meeting which had in attendance labour leaders, pension union, finance and local government administrators at the state and local government levels, Governor Abdullahi Sule said the welfare of workers and pensioners was of great importance to the administration.
“The issue of the economy today globally, the welfare of our people and the administration of our local government as well as administration of our activities as a government are the reasons for this meeting”. Governor Sule stressed.
On his part, the state ALGON Chairman, Aminu Mu’azu Maifata said Local Government chairmen are in agreement with the resolutions reached at the meeting especially on the issue of vetting salary vouchers to ascertain the number of retirees on a monthly basis so to ensure that the pension wage bill is commiserate with the the number of evolving pensioners.
Aminu Mu’azu assured of the chairmen’s resolve to work hand in hand with the state government as well as pensioners at the local government levels to overcome all challenges, maintaining that Local Government administrations aside payment of salaries and pensions also had to execute projects for the electorate at the grassroots.
Also speaking, Nasarawa State NLC Chairman, Yusuf Sarki Iya appreciated Governor Abdullahi Sule for convening the meeting which deliberated on economy, welfare and local government administration in the state.
Comrade Iya expressed satisfaction and delight with the resolution of the state government that the state House of Assembly bring up a law that will review the current pension contribution from local governments from 15% to 20%.
He further stated that the issue of minimum wage is still being discussed at the committee set up by the state government.
“Well, we are still discussing about the consequential adjustments even though the government has already accepted to consider and adopt the table as provided by the federal government for level one to six”. Comrade Iya added.
“What we are discussing right now is on the consequential adjustment from grade level 7 and above and we are still discussing”. Yusuf Iya maintained.