The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu has appealed to members of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) not to embark on their proposed industrial action over non-implementation of the new minimum wage.
NULGE had threatened the authorities of the Area Councils in the FCT to commence the implementation of the minimum wage on or before January 31, 2021 or face industrial action.
The Minister of State for FCT assured members of the union that the administration was working assiduously to ensure that their demands were met.
She stressed that embarking on industrial action at this critical period of economic downturn would further worsen the situation.
Aliyu further assured aggrieved members that the administration would consider the option of a bail-out to stabilise the current situation.
She advocated improved internal revenue generation in the Area Councils.
According to her: “As a mother, I am appealing to members of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) not to carry out their threat of embarking on industrial action if necessary steps are not taken to implement the minimum wage by Area Council authorities.
“I am making this passionate appeal because of the economic implications and its negative impacts on both sides.
“We all know the current global economic downturn and how it has affected every aspects of our life.
“Nevertheless, we are taking all necessary steps to ensure that we overcome these challenges, and one of the options before us is the bail-out to stabilise the current situation and to ensure that Area Councils boost their internally generated revenue.”
The minister appreciated members of the union for their patience and understanding with the authorities.
She also called for a holistic restructuring and verification of the Area Councils staff members.
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