"NULGE Advocates Significant Increase in Council Workers' Salary"

The Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) is advocating for a substantial increase in the salaries of local government workers to mitigate the consequences of removing fuel subsidies. They propose a 300% raise in wages and emphasize the importance of a unified body to determine salaries for both workers and political office holders, aligning with the country's single market system.

During the inauguration of NULGE's Hotels and Suites in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, the National President of the union, Olatunji Ambali, stressed the urgent implementation of the Stephen Orosanye panel's report to reduce the cost of governance. He called for all Nigerians, including political office holders, to be prepared to make sacrifices.

Ambali further suggested a decrease in the salaries and wages of government appointees. He recommended a review of the Orosanye Report to restructure ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in order to reduce the cost of governance. Additionally, he proposed a reduction in the number of aides and a downward revision of the salaries and wages of political office holders.

Highlighting the need for swift action, Ambali expressed concern over the lack of progress by the Federal Government in providing relief measures following the removal of fuel subsidies. He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the issue promptly.

To alleviate the impact of the subsidy removal, Ambali emphasized the immediate need to increase workers' salaries. He insisted on a 300% raise, as it would positively affect market traders and other informal sectors.

Babatunde Olatunde, the President of the Ekiti State chapter of NULGE, expressed confidence in Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration to settle the outstanding three-month salary arrears of local government workers. He commended the governor's commitment, noting that the state government had reduced salary arrears from five months to three months and deductions from seven months to two months. Olatunde expressed optimism that the remaining arrears would be cleared soon.