…Calls for Immediate Implementation of Minimum Wage and Financial Autonomy
The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to ensure free, fair, and credible elections at the local government level across the country.
The union expressed concern over the conduct of local government polls, particularly the trend where only the ruling party in each state wins all the local government seats.
Rising from its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Labour House, Abuja, the union decried the imposition of undemocratic leadership at the local government level, including caretaker committees and sole administrators, by state governments.
The President-General of NULGE, Olatunji Ambali, highlighted these issues while briefing journalists on the meeting’s outcome.
“NEC-in-Session wishes to appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for granting financial autonomy to the local governments, which the union has been clamoring for over decades. This will definitely bring development to the grassroots,” Ambali said.
He also praised the Supreme Court for its “dispassionate judgment” supporting local government autonomy, adding that this will help local governments achieve their developmental goals.
NULGE urged the Federal Government’s Implementation Committee to expedite the submission of a framework to fully implement local government autonomy.
Furthermore, Ambali called on the government to ensure that all local government elections are conducted by October 11, 2024, to prevent the continued imposition of caretaker committees.
On the issue of workers’ welfare, NULGE reiterated the need for the immediate implementation of the new national minimum wage, which was approved to begin in October 2024.
“NEC-in-Session urges the President to implement the new national minimum wage as earlier approved to alleviate the hardship faced by Nigerian workers,” Ambali stated. He emphasized that this is crucial in light of the rising inflation and increased cost of living.
The union also called for an urgent review of the 2014 Local Government Scheme of Service to enhance the functionality and equity of local government workers.
Additionally, NULGE stressed the importance of implementing the recommendations of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Local Government-Based Unions, which include restructuring supervisory institutions, ensuring salary payments as a first-line charge, and strengthening the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.
In closing, the NEC extended its sympathy to victims of recent floods in Borno and other affected states, commending governors and citizens who have donated relief materials.
