The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Enugu State Chapter, has commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare, particularly in the local government sector. The union described the governor’s recent approval of the 2023/2024 senior staff promotion exercise for the Local Government Service of Enugu State as a clear demonstration of his sensitivity to the needs of workers.
In an exclusive interview with GMTNewsng’s Pascal Chibuzo, the Enugu State President of NULGE, Comrade Udoagha Ani, eulogized Governor Mbah for prioritizing the welfare of grassroots workers who form the backbone of service delivery in the state. “His Excellency’s approval of this promotion exercise once again shows his administration’s uncommon commitment to fairness and improved welfare for local government staff,” Ani stated.
He recalled that Governor Mbah had previously heeded NULGE’s appeal for the implementation of the ₦30,000 minimum wage and its consequential adjustment for local government employees, thereby placing them at par with their counterparts in the state civil service. According to him, before Mbah’s administration, local government workers had not been fully benefiting from the national wage policy.
Highlighting further strides, the president noted that the governor also approved a comprehensive staff verification exercise which has significantly enhanced efficiency and transparency within the local government system. He said the exercise has “recorded tremendous successes” in strengthening accountability and productivity in the workforce.
Governor Mbah’s pronouncement on the implementation of a new ₦80,000 minimum wage for workers, surpassing the ₦70,000 approved by the Federal Government, was also described by NULGE as groundbreaking. The union stressed that the decision reinforces the governor’s determination to eliminate disparity in workers’ welfare across various services in the state.
Comrade Udoagha Ani, Enugu State NULGE president
The leadership of NULGE equally applauded the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), led by its chairman, Nana Ogbodo, Esq., for the critical role it played in pushing through the reforms that culminated in the promotion approvals. Comrade Ani described Ogbodo as “a visionary and pragmatic leader” whose drive has been instrumental in repositioning the local government service.
According to the union, the present LGSC board has introduced far-reaching reforms that have created a more conducive working environment, boosted staff morale, and significantly improved productivity within the local government system in Enugu State.
Reaffirming its confidence in Governor Mbah’s leadership, NULGE said the governor has repositioned Enugu State as a shining example among sub-national governments in Nigeria, especially in prioritizing workers’ welfare. “The leadership of the Union and local government workers of Enugu State unreservedly passes a vote of confidence in the governor’s uncommon leadership style,” Comrade Ani declared.
The union concluded by pledging its continued support for Governor Mbah’s administration, assuring that NULGE will remain a reliable partner in advancing the welfare of local government employees and the overall development of Enugu State. GMTNewsng
