In a message delivered by the office of the Head of Service of the Federation, the Federal Government reminded workers in the country about the significance of unity, emphasizing that a divided house cannot stand.
Workers were encouraged to engage in dialogue and collective bargaining as a means to address issues related to their welfare, according to the government.
During a seminar for the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) held in Abuja, Mr. Raymond Omenka Omachi, the Permanent Secretary of the Common Service Office (CSO) in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, represented by his Special Assistant (Technical) Oda Edwin Onda, made this appeal.
The challenges faced by Nigerian workers due to the global inflation rate were acknowledged by the government official.
Commending President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its efforts to alleviate workers’ suffering and enhance the standard of living through the implementation of a National Living Wage for Nigerian Workers.
At the seminar, National President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Comrade Tommy Etim Okon, who also serves as the 1st National Vice President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), discussed workers’ rights and privileges to ensure the protection of legal entitlements and benefits for all categories of employees.
Emphasizing the importance of a symbiotic relationship between management and unions for a successful working system, Okon highlighted how workers’ rights recognized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) positively impact employees’ quality of life.
He stated that guaranteed workers’ rights are crucial in preventing exploitation and ensuring workforce efficiency and effectiveness.
Efforts to reposition the Federal Civil Service and make it Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible, and Citizen-centered (EPIC) require the prioritization of motivation and welfare initiatives for Federal Civil Servants, including provisions for housing, training, health insurance, and more, to support government in achieving its developmental agenda effectively.