Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Tuesday called for concerted efforts in addressing the economic challenges in the nation to make life easier and more comfortable for Nigerian workers.
Ambode made the appeal at Agege Stadium, Lagos where the 2018 May Day celebration held with theme “Labour Movement in National Development: Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win’’.
He said the workers were development and growth partners of the government.
Ambode said that achieving that would require all stakeholders in the management of the economy to redouble their efforts and continue to explore innovative means of making life better for workers.
He said his administration remained passionate and committed to resolving all issues affecting the welfare, service entitlements, and infrastructure development for all workers in the state.
Ambode, however urged the organised labour to continue to show understanding, while rightly insisting on the due and just entitlements of their members.
He advised the labour movement not to only enquire after what workers could get from the government but also what they could do to further contribute to support the government in making a difference in the lives of the people.
On this year’s theme, the governor charged workers to contribute a lot more to the development of the state.
“It is a fact that only those who dare struggle may win. Yet, these agitations and struggles must be focused on realistic and reasonable goals that are pursued in the appreciation of the competing interests that government has to continually balance.’’
As the country moves toward another election year, Ambode said it was imperative for the labour movement to see itself as a constructive partner of government in ensuring peace and harmony before, during, and after the conduct of the 2019 general elections.
Ambode, who described workers in the state as chief development and growth partners, said that since the inception of this administration, there had been no dispute with the organised labour.
“I will be the first to admit that the labour unions in Lagos State have been most responsible and at the same time being dogged in their advocacy for the promotion of the interests of workers, both in the public and private sector groups.
“In proof of the maturity and responsibility of the labour unions in our state, they have0 consistently met with members of our administration under different fora designed to identify and address possible areas of tension and disagreement before they fester into open conflicts.
“This approach has resulted in an unprecedented three-year period of uninterrupted industrial harmony and peace in Lagos State.
“For this, I most sincerely commend the labour unions in Lagos State,’’ he said.
Ambode urged workers to support the state government’s recent ‘Growth Mindset’ campaign and initiative as it would result in the exponential growth and productivity of the public service.
While responding to the workers’ requests, he promised to deal with all issues raised.
Earlier, the workers, who did not deny the welfare they enjoyed in the state, including prompt payment of their salaries among other benefits, urged the state government to a cleaner environment and affordable housing.
The Chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, Mr Idowu Adelakun and Mr Francis Ogunremi respectively demanded for more downward review of the Land Use Charge.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlights of the celebration includes March past by the various labour unions, health talks and goodwill messages. (NAN)
