By: Katherine Abayomi.
As the world celebrates Workers’ Day today, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman in Rivers State, Comrade Alex Ikechi Agwanwor, has called for a sober reflection on the plight of workers in the country.
Speaking on the occasion of Workers’ Day at the NLC secretariat in Port Harcourt, Agwanwor lamented the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers, citing the impact of government policies.
Agwanwor noted that while workers were celebrating the approval and implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, the same government had imposed various taxes on citizens, increased electricity and telecommunication tariffs, and removed fuel subsidies without adequate measures to alleviate the suffering of workers and masses.
The NLC Chairman demanded the immediate payment of pension arrears owed to Rivers State pensioners and the implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage approved for federal pensioners. He also called for the payment of gratuity and death benefits without further delay.
Agwanwor urged the management of polytechnics in the state to implement increments and promotions, particularly CONTENDISS 15 for non-teaching staff.
He expressed concern that these issues had been pending for too long.
The NLC Chairman also called for the regulation, recognition, and protection of app-based transportation drivers. He emphasized the importance of transportation in the state’s economy and the need for policies that protect drivers from fare evasion, theft, and violence.
Agwanwor appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use his office to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He urged the Sole Administrator to facilitate a peaceful reconciliation process to expedite the return of elected representatives.