Governor Francis Nwifuru, during the Workers’ Day celebration at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki on May 1, 2024, announced several initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of civil servants in Ebonyi State.
He began by expressing his appreciation for the commitment and sacrifices of the workers, describing them as unmatched anywhere in the world.
He stated that his administration would reciprocate their gesture by implementing initiatives outlined in the People’s Charter of Needs.
Governor Nwifuru assured the workers of his administration’s commitment to improving the state’s economy and consolidating on the achievements of the past administration.
He emphasized the importance of regular promotions, prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities.
The governor disclosed that the gratuities of those who retired between January 2024 and the present had been fully paid, and that his administration was ensuring timely payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities without owing anyone.
He also addressed the ongoing negotiation on minimum wage, promising to implement the outcome.
Additionally, he pledged to consider all requests made by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ebonyi State chapter, including the approval of a N10,000 increment in individual salaries.
In a joint speech by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Ebonyi State chapters, read by the NLC chairman, Professor Ogugua Egwu, the theme of the event, “People First,” was highlighted as an expression of the need to prioritize the people in all spheres of life.
The unions appealed to the governor for the recruitment of 1,700 teachers to address the shortage of personnel in public primary and secondary schools.
They also requested enhancements to workers’ welfare packages and the implementation of judiciary autonomy.
Additionally, they asked for the approval of welfare packages for judiciary workers and the recall of some staff of Ebonyi State University (EBSU) who were suspended due to their involvement in union activities.
Furthermore, they called for the reabsorption of staff from the former Ebonyi State Teaching Hospital (EBSUTH) into the new teaching hospital, the revitalization of Ebonyi State College of Education for middle-class manpower training, and the harmonization of the gratuity management scheme in the state and council areas, among other requests.
