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Lagos NULGE President Urges Quick Payment of ₦70,000 Minimum Wage at Workers’ Forum in Epe

Published

2 months ago

Sep 25, 2024.

Ekohotblog reports that the President of the Lagos State branch of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Ogunfowora Sewanu Sunday, has called on the Lagos State Government to pay Local Government workers the newly approved ₦70,000 minimum wage without delay.

Speaking at a Workers’ Forum held at the Epe Local Government Secretariat, he highlighted the financial struggles many workers are facing due to the rising cost of living.

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Comrade Ogunfowora pointed out that while other sectors in Lagos State have already started receiving the new minimum wage, Local Government workers are still waiting.

He urged the government to act quickly, noting that many workers are finding it hard to cope with higher fuel prices and inflation.

“We are asking the government to make sure Local Government workers get the same benefits as others. Delaying this payment is making life harder for us,” Ogunfowora said.

The forum, which was attended by union members, Local Government leaders, and government officials, also focused on other issues affecting workers. Comrade Ogunfowora praised some Local Government Chairmen for paying salaries on time but noted that others are still delaying payments, causing frustration.

He thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for ensuring that salaries are paid by the 23rd of every month and encouraged all Local Governments to do the same.

Healthcare problems were another major concern at the forum. Many workers complained about delays in receiving medical care and getting necessary medicines under the Lagos State Health Management Authority (LASHMA). Ogunfowora called on LASHMA to improve its services so that workers can access healthcare without delays.

Workers also raised concerns about deductions from the National Housing Fund (NHF). Comrade Ogunfowora asked for clearer information on these deductions, so workers can understand how their money is being handled.

On a positive note, he praised Local Governments that have provided staff buses to help workers with transportation costs, especially with rising fuel prices. He urged other Local Governments to do the same to make it easier for workers to get to work.

Ogunfowora also mentioned improvements in the pension process, saying the government had made it easier for retirees to access their benefits. However, he asked for more work to be done to prevent delays in processing retirement documents.

In closing, Comrade Ogunfowora thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu and other government officials for their efforts to improve the lives of Local Government workers.