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- Labour Gives Government 24 Hours to Refund Contributory Health Care Scheme Deductions
From John Adams, Minna
Niger State Governor Umar Mohammed Bago announced a N5 million donation to organised labour in the state to facilitate transportation for members from the 25 local government areas to the Labour Day celebration. Additionally, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, contributed N2.5 million to the labour union in the 25 local government areas to alleviate the effects of the current fuel scarcity.
The Governor, represented by the Head of Service, Alhaji Salisu Abubakar, acknowledged the government’s efforts to increase salaries and improve the general welfare of workers. He appealed for understanding from the labour union as the government works on strategies to address their demands.
In his goodwill message, the Speaker acknowledged the difficult economic situation and the need to address the welfare of civil servants. He assured the organised labour that the state government is working to improve their conditions.
The Chairman of the organised labour in the state, Comrade Idrees Abdulkarerm Lafene, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the state government to initiate the immediate refund of the Contributory Health Care Scheme deductions from civil servants’ salaries.
The Contributory Health Care Scheme, introduced by the previous governor, involved a 2% deduction from civil servants’ salaries. However, no civil servant has benefited from the scheme, as most have opted for the National Health Insurance Scheme.
The NLC described the state health care scheme as a failure and demanded the immediate refund of all deducted funds. They threatened to embark on an indefinite strike if the government fails to comply.
