The encroachment of roles among trade unions and unnecessary interferences of unregistered associations operating in Akwa Ibom has elicited the concern of the State Commissioner of Labour and Manpower Planning, Elder Aniefiok Nkom.
Elder Nkom expressed the concern at a meeting held in his office with leadership of the different unions in the state to address some labour issues.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Effiong Nicholas, the Commissioner expressed worry over a series of complaints and petitions forwarded by the union leaders particularly Union of Tipper and Quarry Employers of Nigeria to the Ministry.
“The Ministry has been inundated with a series of complaints and petitions from the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Akwa Ibom State in respect of your operational scope, due to encroachment among unions and unnecessary interferences from unregistered associations that operate as trade unions.
This has over the years created serious heat, uneasiness and tension in the sector,” Nkom stated.
The Commissioner, therefore, charged trade unions leaders in the state to work within the scope of jurisdiction guiding their operations to avoid encroaching into activities capable of causing confusion and crisis.
The Labour boss reiterated that as a Ministry saddled with the responsibility of resolving labour crisis in the state in both public and private sector that the Ministry had written to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Abuja, and obtained guideline on their operations.
In the document which was duly signed by each of the bodies, the leaders were urged to abide by the rules in order to enhance the prevailing industrial peace and harmony the State is enjoying.
Earlier, the Chairmen of the different Unions stated their grievances.
Comrades Udo Jacob, Chairman of Union of Tipper and Quarry Employers of Nigeria, Effiong Effiong, Chairman Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria, and Godwin Edem, Vice Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers of Nigeria, expressed their readiness to abide by the government directives.
They commended the commissioner for being proactive and always liaising with relevant authorities within the state and federal levels to ensure that labour matters are given prompt attention to avoid crisis.
2023 Workers Day: Commissioner’s goodwill message
The Commissioner of Labour and Manpower Planning, Elder Aniefiok Nkom, has felicitated Akwa Ibom workers for joining their counterparts globally to commemorate international Workers’ Day.
In a message he delivered on May 1 at Ibom Hall grounds, Uyo during the celebration of this year’s Workers Day, Elder Nkom declared ”A day historic in remembrance of the struggles and gains made by the working people and the Trade Union Movement.”
In his words, ”The Akwa Ibom Government appreciates the immense contributions workers in the development of our state. We are aware of your professionalism, perseverance, patriotic cooperation in the collective effort to address societal challenges.”
He used the forum to appreciate Governor Udom Emmanuel for being friendly to workers and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other affiliate unions, urging them to remain productive and committed as ”government would continue to prioritise your welfare and ensure industrial harmony.”
Govt to provide staffers with basic working tools- Commissioner
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning, Elder Aniefiok Nkom has pledged to provide basic working tools to assist the staffers in performing of their duties for effective service delivery.
The Commissioner, who made the pledge during a meeting with staffers in the Ministry, called for inclusiveness in the administration process to achieving a collective goal for the Ministry.
The Labour helmsman explained that the meeting was to create a strategic opportunity for staffers to interface with the management and frankly contribute ideas by presenting problems, items needed and the way forward for ultimate service delivery to attain the mandate and responsibilities of the Ministry.
Elder Nkom noted that it could be frustrating working without the necessary tools, and pledged to give premium attention accordingly.
Putting forward some of the problems, the Heads of Directorate of Labour and Industrial Relations, Mrs. Glory Essien, Manpower Planning, Mr. Patrick Ekong, Productivity, Mrs Offiong Ekpenyong, and Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS) Lady Uwak Mfon, amongst others, harped on issues that are common to all, such as malfunctioning of Computers, Printers, Air Conditioners, lack of junior staffers for certain category of works.
Others needed were utility vehicle for the Ministry, staff welfare amongst other sundry items to mention a few. While appreciating management for items already provided, or repaired.
Earlier, the new Permanent Secretary, Mr. Effiong C. Nicholas, had commended the Commissioner for his focus and proactiveness in managing programmes in the ministry.
He thanked the Commissioner for the meeting which created a platform for interaction and rapport with staff, promising to provide a congenial working environment for overall progress of the Ministry, assuring the Commissioner of staff support and cooperation.
Reports filed by Ephraim Okpongette, Information Officer
