Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday commended labour unions and workers in the state for their understanding and cooperation during the past four years of his administration.
He equally got a commendation from labour leaders in the state who appreciated his commitment to workers’ welfare.
Ambode said the understanding and maturity by the unions ensured industrial harmony in the state and commended them for choosing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in place of industrial actions.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Rotimi Ogunleye, at the May Day Rally, held at the Agege Stadium, Lagos, noted that his government from inception in May 2015, had made workers’ welfare a priority.
He also said his administration had worked closely with union leaders to address policy and infrastructural issues, which he opined were usually the major militating factors against effectiveness and efficiency of workers in states.
Ambode further stated: “Having devoted myself to these objectives for the past four years and, having worked with you all, I am glad to say that it has been a pleasure to be your partner on this journey. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am grateful for the cooperation and support that you have given me.
“Indeed, I am pleased that together, we have given the people of Lagos State four productive years of sustained industrial harmony. This is, perhaps, the longest period of such in the modern history of our State and this was made possible by the culture of mutual respect and understanding we nurtured and deployed.
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“The culture of openness, mutual respect and frank discussions that marked our relationship with labour and the resulting period of industrial harmony allowed the government to initiate and implement programmes and policies that have resulted in immediate and long-lasting tangible values to the workers, the State government, and the good people of Lagos State.
“Very importantly, our administration concluded the review of the State’s pension law by signing the amended Lagos State Pension Reform Law in the first quarter of Year 2019.
“This amendment, among others, increased the government’s pension contribution from 7.5 per cent to 10 per cent. This is a legacy that we are proud to bequeath to the hardworking officers of the Lagos State Public Service.”
Noting that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Another 100 Years of Jobs, Dignity and Social Justice in Nigeria,” was apt, the governor expressed confidence that the labour union movement in Nigeria was marching forward with optimism and clear focus on the fundamental values and pillars of the labour movement.
He said: “Indeed, the labour movement in Nigeria has come a long way and yet it remains on the right path, focusing on the values that are of utmost importance to the society and the economy.
“This theme is in line with the Federal Government’s focus on job creation, promoting entrepreneurship and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“Jobs are important because they create further wealth and provide the purchasing power that enables the producers of wealth to continue to produce wealth and value.
“Dignity for workers is essential because it rewards those who diligently and laboriously apply themselves to the everyday work of creating value and earning a living with respect and social recognition.
“Finally, social justice is the only recipe for true peace and harmony in any society.”
In his remarks, Chairman, Trade Union Congress, TUC, Lagos State Chapter, Francis Ogunremi described Ambode as one of the most labour-friendly Governors.
He commended the governor for his commitment to workers welfare in the last four years particularly in areas of prompt payment of salaries, allowances as well as timely remittance of workers’ pensions.
Ogunremi also appreciated the various initiatives of the Governor in key sectors such as massive road projects, solving traffic challenges especially launching of Traffic Information System, repositioning of State Emergency Agency, scaling up security architecture of the State, construction of Safety Arena, Health Insurance Scheme, among others.
