May Day: NLC, TUC, in Delta Condemns high cost of Rents.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Delta state condemned the rising cost of renting properties in the state yesterday.
Mr. Goodluck Ofoburuku, the State NLC Chairman, delivered a joint presentation at the Workers Day celebration in Asaba, urging the state government to act in the housing sector to alleviate the state’s rising rents.
He praised the state administration for paying workers’ paychecks on time, providing infrastructure such as roads and drainage, and providing a pleasant working environment for civil officials and others across the state.
According to him, the multibillion-naira Prof Chike Edozien State Secretariat is commendable in that it provides workers with a more conducive working environment, but housing rents in the state capital and other urban cities across the state have risen beyond the reach of civil servants of all grades.
“For example, a two-bedroom flat in Asaba and its environs can cost up to N750,000 per year.” When we consider our salaries, this is unthinkable. So, we’re pleading with the state government to look into this and intervene so that workers in the state may live comfortably. Otherwise, we’ll be eternal debtors since we’ll have to borrow to pay our rents each year.
However, Ofoburuku praised Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration for building three new universities. He claimed that this has opened doors for individuals of state origin to be admitted to study courses of their choosing, after years of being overlooked by other states’ universities.
He also asked the state administration to engage with the workers’ union to ensure that the correct leadership was in place to ensure that the state’s legacy and developmental progress were preserved.
NLC, TUC, in Delta condemns high cost of Rents.
In response, Okowa, who was represented by Chief Patrick Ukah, Secretary to the State Government, assured workers of the government’s dedication to their predicament.
He thanked workers on the celebration, stating that the state’s economy was founded by workers, and urging them to keep up the good work in order to further their successes. As part of its stronger Delta agenda, he said the government was dedicated to developing a stronger civil service.
Skills acquisition, according to Okowa, remains an antidote to unemployment, which can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and harmony. “We’re working on resolving the backlog of pension arrears owed to retirees, and we’re also putting infrastructure in place across the state.”
“We are aware of the high rents and are taking steps to address them.” We need more effort, commitment, and patience from the workers, because prosperity can only be achieved through peace and harmony.”
Okowa invited all members of the state’s population to work together with his government to further the state’s development.
Mr Innocent Ofuonyeadi, State NLC Secretary, praised the state for protecting workers’ welfare, but added that workers’ battles must continue to achieve a better welfare package.
