May Day Special:Ogun NLC Seeks Establishment Of Workers' Loan Board, Wants 200% Increment In Gratuities For Retirees

Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked Ogun State Government to establish a Workers' Loan Board, with the aim of improving the living standard of workers on its payroll 

The State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Hameed Benco-Ademola who made the call during the 2024 Workers' Day and rally at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Kuto, Abeokuta, also appealed to the government to review the N1billion quarterly payment of the inherited outstanding gratuities to pensioners by 200 per cent (N3billion) for more retirees to benefit, particularly over 3,000 who retired voluntarily including some in tertiary institutions 

Many hardworking workers according to him, are struggling to make ends meet, hence the need for the establishment of such loan board to relief them of financial hardship that prevent them from fully realizing their potential

" A Workers'Loan Board would provide much-needed financial assistance to those facing difficult times , offering a lifeline to those in need and alleviating the suffering of our workers", he stated

On the disturbing issue of Contributory Pension Scheme(CPS),  NLC also stressed the urgent need for Governor Dapo Abiodun to make workers friendly declaration, ordering the implementation of report, saying the CPS committee 's report provides long term solutions to meet the anticipated issues therein

"The Contributory Pension Scheme ( CPS) committee report is suspectedly believed to have given long term solutions to meet the anticipated issues therein. Your Excellency and kindly expedite action in making workers friendly declaration in this regard", the union pleaded 

The union quickly reminded the governor on the need to redeem his promise of addressing the outstanding issue of global deductions from workers salaries, calling for prompt payment of the deductions 

NLC equally called for approval of the long-standing demand for Consequential Adjustment on Monthly Pension to the retirees

The union however appreciated the governor for improving the condition of workers in the state, particularly the sales of rice to workers at subsidized prices , perculiar allowances payment, 2023 Christmas as well as New Year bonuses and N10,000 monthly palliative amongst others welfare packages