PRESS RELEASE:WORKERS WELFARE REMAINS OUR TOP PRIORITY - FCT Minister

WORKERS WELFARE REMAINS OUR TOP PRIORITY - FCT Minister

Workers in the Federal Capital Territory have been assured that their welfare will continue to receive the highest attention under this present administration as all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the sustainability of an enduring welfare package for workers. . 

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello gave this assurance today at the Eagle Square, Abuja, during the marking of the first Labour Day celebration of this Administration.

The minister while eulogising the workers for their remarkable contributions to nation building, remarked that Labour is the goose that lays the golden egg, pointing out that the Federal Capital Territory Administration has therefore evolved various policies intended to ensure adequate welfare and conducive working environment for the workforce.

His words: I make bold to say that, because of the high premium we place on workers' welfare, this administration ensures regular payment of salaries and allowances to our workers; in the same vein we have ensured that housing allowances are paid as at when due, while deserving staff have received their promotions. Aside these, my Administration places a high premium on staff training and retraining. This is with a view to giving incentives to our workers and ensuring optimal service delivery".

Bello said May Day is celebrated globally to mark the sacrifices of workers towards building a better world, adding that it highlights the contributions which workers have consistently made to ensure a world where values of social justice and employment rights are fully protected.

He noted that the the theme for this year's celebration which is "The Working Class and the Quest for Socio-Economic Revival." is, indeed, very appropriate and timely, considering the state of our national affairs.

Bello, however, lamented that this year's May Day is being celebrated at a time of serious downturn in the nation's economy with international oil prices sliding downwards and adversely affecting our national revenue. A situation which according to him was further worsened by corruption and mismanagement of the past.

"Being mindful of this situation, President Muhammadu Buhari articulated a Change Agenda that focuses on anti-corruption, fiscal discipline and diversification of the economy. In line with this, the Federal Government has evolved several policy frameworks designed to breathe a new lease of life into the economy", he said. 

Malam Bello said the FCT administration would continue partner with Labour in the efforts towards restoring the old glory of our great nation, stressing that his administration will not allow the issue of paucity of funds to "make us abdicate our responsibility to Labour as the FCTA will continue to be a front runner on the issues of workers' welfare".

Bello then urged Labour to continue to support government in these difficult times.

Abubakar Sani

Special Assistant ( Media )

Sunday 1st May, 2016