The Secretary of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Alpha Marshall, has advocated the need for the state government to introduce a more water-tight template for salary payment consultants to guard against ghost workers’ syndrome.
This is as he announced the discovery of more than 2,000 ghost workers during physical verification exercise of public servants consisting of civil servants and workers in secondary schools in an interview on XL106.9FM’s Super Breakfast Show, “The Talk” last Tuesday in Uyo.
The state government during the era of ex-Governor Udom Emmanuel inherited by Governor Umo Eno appointed consultants to handle payment of monthly salaries and pensions to workers and pensioners in the state and local government payroll.
Also read: Akwa Ibom NLC to go on strike over non-implementation of Minimum wage
In a telephone interview with Straightnews on Saturday, January 18, Marshall said the system harbours corruption despite some internal and external mechanisms put in place by the government.
He opined the need for the government to invigorate the consultants’ system to guard against corruption in the system.
The NLC Secretary, who admitted that he pre-empted report of the committee, hoped that the State Governor will issue an official statement after the conclusion of the staffers’ verification exercise on the actual number of ghost workers in the state.
Recall that Comrade Marshall who announced the discovery of over 2,000 ghost workers commended Governor Umo Eno for the initiative, for laying a solid foundation for the civil service.
According to him, a little over 51,700 Civil servants had so far been verified against the 55,120 workers that were available on record before the verification exercise.
The NLC Secretary, who reiterated that the verification process was seamless and transparent, said the report of the exercise is ready for submission to the Governor.
Announcing plans to reschedule a verification exercise for workers whose issues bothered on mismatched details on National Identification Number, NIN, he maintained that the rescheduled exercise will not stop the committee from submitting the report to the Governor.
Pay workers New Minimum Wage- Organised Labour asks Governor
The Organised Labour comprising Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, Akwa Ibom State Councils has written through the Head of Civil Service /Chairman – Minimum Wage Implementation Committee to Governor Umo Bassey Eno, reminding him to pay workers New Minimum Wage.
The Minimum Wage Implementation Committee (Labour Side) comprising Comrade Sunny James Chairperson – NLC, Comrade Dominic Abang, Chairman-TUC, Comrade Etido Udoh, Chairman – JPSNC, and Comrade Anestina Iweh State President – NULGE said ‘‘Following the signing of the New Minimum Wage Agreement on December 3, 2024 at the Conference Room of the Head of Civil Service between the Organized Labour and the Akwa Ibom State Government, we feel compelled, due to emerging issues and rumours to express our growing concern regarding payment of the New Minimum Wage of N80,000 (Eighty Thousand Naira) only which the Government assured will begin in January 2025.’’
Writing under the topic: Urgent concern regarding non-payment of the New Minimum Wage in Akwa Ibom State, they noted ‘‘We were happy when His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, graciously made the pronouncement to the effect that payment of the wage will begin in earnest in January 2025, though effective November 01, 2024.
‘‘We were also happy when His Excellency, in agreement with Organized Labour assured that payment will commence immediately after the State-wide Workers Verification Exercise is concluded, an assurance to which he made commitment and a bold step by setting up the implementation committee which has been working assiduously throughout the Christmas and New Year Holidays without a break.’’
The Organised Labour pointed out ‘‘Unfortunately, despite the conclusion of the Exercise on January 3, 2025, credible information suggest that the Government is no longer prepared to fulfill that commitment as alleged January salaries has been computed using the old template.
‘‘The disheartening rumour is only good as long as it continues to remain in the realm of speculations because IF TRUE, it will raise inexcusable disaffection among workers and members of the Organized Labour Movement who have been hopeful for a just and fair deal.
‘‘Therefore, the Organized Labour rise to the occasion to remind government that:
(i) The rumour should not even be contemplated in the first place as any further delay in implementing the New Minimum Wage will not just amount to a bridge of promise, but will also record another blatant disregard for the well-being of the State workforce by the Government, especially as most of the workers are struggling to meet their basic needs;
(ii) The Government’s hesitance to act swiftly can only lead to causing discontent among the workers who have already relied heavily on the December 3, 2024 Agreement, as an essential step towards improving their livelihood through the New Minimum Wage payment;
(ii) Minimum Wage Circulars with salary template be released by the Department of Establishment immediately to the respective MDAs for implementation;
(iv) Unless sincere action is taken to initiate this payment of the New Minimum Wage as agreed for January 2025 Pay-roll, the Organized Labour will be left with no option than to take decisive measures that may lead to a complete shut down of the entire State workforce. This step will not be taken lightly as it reflect our last resort in advocating for our right and justice;
(v) It should be noted that the State Labour Leaders would not be held responsible for the consequences of such action arising from the Government failure in that regard.’’
The Organised Labour pleaded ‘‘While we urge the Government to take immediate action in fulfilling his promise to the workers of Akwa Ibom State, it is very crucial to note that following the clear-cut plan and agreed time-line for commencement of the payment is most essential as over thirty (30) States have already enjoyed the New Minimum Wage since September, 2024.
‘‘We remain committed to the friendly Labour-Government relationship in the State without loosing sight of our over-arching creed to remain ‘forward ever and backward never’ in the struggle for our workers.’’
