By Alexis Uchendu
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized state governors for abandoning their states and permanently residing in Abuja while their citizens face worsening hardship.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, expressed this concern during a town hall meeting with workers at the NLC Secretariat in Lokoja, Kogi State.
“Most governors now live permanently in Abuja. Out of five zones we visited, only one governor was available. Each time we visit, we are told they are in Abuja. This is affecting governance,” Ajaero lamented.
He stressed that governors must remain in their states to address pressing issues and provide democratic dividends.
During the visit, the NLC leadership commissioned 10 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for workers in Kogi to ease transportation challenges.
Ajaero also condemned the proscription of labour unions in Kogi’s state-owned tertiary institutions under former Governor Yahaya Bello, stating that union activities fall under the Exclusive Legislative List and cannot be banned by any governor.
Workers in Kogi raised multiple grievances, including non-implementation of salary increments, lack of housing provisions, and a shortage of teachers in primary and junior secondary schools.
The NLC President assured them that their concerns would be presented to the state government, urging authorities to reconsider their stance on union proscription and prioritize workers’ welfare.
