The labour union in Niger State has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding the prompt commencement of refunds for deductions made from civil servants’ salaries for the Contributory Health Care Scheme. Failure to comply will result in an indefinite industrial action that will bring the state to a standstill.
Comrade Idris Lafene, the state chairman, delivered the ultimatum during a subdued observance of the 2024 International Workers Day in Minna. The event, typically held at the 123 Quarters parade ground, took place at the Justice Legbo Kutigi International Centre.
The Contributory Health Care Scheme was introduced by the former governor of the state, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bell, which involved a deduction of two per cent from civil servants’ salaries.
According to Lafeni: “We woke up today with reports from some of our members that NICARE has started deducting their money. This was not the agreement we had with the Niger State Government. ”
” We are calling on the state government to refund our monies as well as bring those that masterminded such illegal deductions to book or the programme will never see the light of the day. ”
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State, represented by Head of Service Abubakar Salihu, assured NLC members that the state government would address the issue accordingly.
Subsequently, Salihu allocated the sum of N5 million to the 25 local governments in Niger State to alleviate transportation challenges stemming from fuel scarcity.
Additionally, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, pledged the government’s commitment to enhance workers’ welfare and contributed N2.5 million to support transportation.
In a paper titled “People’s First,” Ibrahim Gana, the chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Niger State, emphasized the importance of prioritizing citizens’ wellbeing in government policies and decision-making for societal progress.
