Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers, promising sustained reforms aimed at ensuring prompt payment of salaries and pensions, improved working conditions, and a more efficient civil service system.
In his message to commemorate the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration, Governor Ododo described workers as the backbone of governance and development, while commending their sacrifices, resilience, and contributions to the growth of the state.
“I am one of you. I understand the challenges you face, and I know where the shoe pinches,” the governor said, describing his administration as a “chief servant” committed to leading by example.
He explained that his government has embarked on deliberate reforms to build a modern and competent workforce capable of delivering quality service and driving innovation in the public sector.
According to him, notable achievements include consistent payment of salaries and pensions, timely promotions, settlement of retirees’ gratuities, and continuous engagement with organised labour to maintain industrial harmony.
Ododo also pointed to ongoing investments in capacity building for civil servants, adding that his administration remains focused on accountability, sustainability, and long-term development of the public service.
At the national level, the governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reforms targeted at improving workers’ welfare and strengthening governance structures across the country.
He urged workers to complement government efforts through diligence, integrity, and patriotism, stressing that the development of Kogi State requires collective responsibility.
“As we move into a politically active period, we must remain focused on service delivery. Politics has its place, but our primary duty remains service to the people,” he said.
Governor Ododo further assured workers that their contributions would continue to be recognized, calling for unity and sustained productivity across the civil service.
Meanwhile, organised labour in the state commended the administration for its reforms in workers’ welfare but also presented fresh demands, particularly in the areas of employment, housing, and outstanding entitlements.
The State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Amari Gabriel, described the relationship between government and labour as “harmonious,” noting that the governor’s regular participation in May Day celebrations reflects his commitment to workers’ wellbeing.
He said the 2026 Workers’ Day theme, “Insecurity and Poverty: The Bane of Decent Work,” highlights the challenges facing workers, calling for stronger collaboration between security management and economic development.
Gabriel praised government interventions in security, including surveillance systems and support for traditional institutions, as well as achievements in salary payments, pension harmonisation, promotion cash backing, and enrolment of retirees into the state health insurance scheme.
He also commended infrastructure and social investments across the state, particularly in education and ongoing development projects.
However, labour leaders presented several demands, including the reinstatement of 441 civil servants earlier cleared by the Civil Service Commission and the recruitment of new staff to address manpower gaps in critical sectors.
Other demands include urgent reforms in the health sector, salary adjustment for primary healthcare workers, implementation of retirement age extension policies, and gradual settlement of outstanding gratuities.
They further called for affordable housing schemes for workers, improved mass transit systems, rehabilitation of water infrastructure in Lokoja, restoration of union activities in state-owned tertiary institutions, and improved welfare for judiciary staff and private school employees.
Gabriel urged continued dialogue between government and labour, stressing that organised labour remains a partner in progress committed to accountability and improved living standards.
He also called on workers to remain united and dedicated despite economic challenges, expressing optimism that sustained collaboration would yield better welfare, improved infrastructure, and broader economic opportunities in the state.
“Work, when fairly rewarded and safely performed, dignifies the human spirit,” he said, as the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration ended with renewed calls for partnership and enhanced service delivery.
