Make Workers’ Welfare A Priority, Abatemi-Usman Tells Employers

The Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, has stressed the need for employers of labour, both in the private and public sector of the country, to endeavour to make the welfare of workers paramount in their scheme of things.

In a statement signed by Michael Jegede, the Senator’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, to congratulate Nigerian workers on the celebration of Workers’ Day, Abatemi-Usman, noted that attaching premium to the welfare of workers will go a long way to boost their morale and motivate them to put in their best, thereby enhancing productivity in the system.

“I congratulate all Nigerian workers as they observe the celebration of the 2015 Workers’ Day, also known as Labour Day. The role of the workers in the advancement of their various organizations and nation building can not in any way be overemphasized. That is the reason why employers of labour in public and private sectors must respect the rights of their workers and give priority to their welfare. The employers must do everything possible to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of the employees, by not only creating conducive environment for them to work, but also paying all their entitlements as at when due.”

While encouraging workers to continue to remain steadfast and committed to the discharge of their duties and responsibilities, Abatemi-Usman lamented the situation where they are owed salaries for months in some organizations both in the private and public circle.

“I wish to encourage the Nigerian workers to continue to show steadfastness and commitment in carrying out their responsibilities to their employers. However, I am using this medium to decry the way and manner most organizations refuse to pay their workers after they have done their part as employees. It is surprising that this situation is even rampant in some states of the federation where salaries are being owed workers by the state government and local government for months. Some pay only certain percentage of the workers’ salaries. This is not fair at all. Therefore, as we celebrate this year’s Workers Day, all categories of employers who are in the habit of meting out ill-treatment to their workers must have a rethink and do the needful to ensure the promotion of workers’ rights and enhancement of their wellbeing.”

FROM MICHAEL JEGEDE
MEDIA AIDE TO SENATOR NURUDEEN ABATEMI-USMAN