By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
AS the nation marks 2025 Workers’ Day, Kogi Accountability Platform (KAP) has called on the State government to upscale its pro-labour policies by investing in critical infrastructure that directly affects the welfare and daily lives of workers and citizens alike.
The Platform which made the call in a message to mark the 2025 International Labour Day (Worker’s Day) celebration on Thursday in Lokoja, said it was imperative for government to deepen its commitment to the welfare of its workforce beyond salary payments.
In the message signed by its Chairperson, Mr Hamza Aliyu, the Platform said it was imperative for government to deepen its commitment to the welfare of its workforce beyond salary payments.
It commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration for maintaining a steady track record of prompt payment of salaries saying that the effort was commendable and appreciated.
The singular act, according to the Accountability Platform, has brought a level of financial stability to thousands of households and contributed to a peaceful and productive workforce.
It however noted that in spite of this, workers in the state have continued to face daily hardships exacerbated by high transportation costs, skyrocketing food prices, and poor access to basic infrastructure such as water and housing.”
“As we recognize the government’s efforts, particularly in fulfilling salary obligations, we equally call for a holistic approach to workers’ welfare that includes transportation, food, water, healthcare, and housing. These are not luxuries, they are necessities.
“We urge the government to expand its pro-labour policies by investing in critical infrastructure that directly affects the daily lives of workers and citizens alike.
“The absence of mass transportation systems has left civil servants and other low-income earners at the mercy of expensive and unreliable transport services.
“A functioning mass transit system will not only ease the movement of workers but also reduce the financial burden they currently face, thereby improving productivity and punctuality in public service”, the Platform urged.
The Platform decried the soaring cost of food as a major concern for the average worker and urged the state government to intervene by supporting agricultural initiatives, establishing food distribution programmes, and investing in local markets to reduce the price of essential commodities.
“When workers cannot afford a decent meal or feed their families adequately, their health, focus, and overall well-being suffer, affecting the quality of public service delivery.
“Water remains another basic yet elusive need for many residents in both urban and rural areas. Access to clean and safe drinking water must be prioritized.
“Government investments in boreholes, water treatment plants, and pipe-borne water infrastructure will go a long way in promoting healthy living and reducing the cost of buying water daily.
“Furthermore, affordable housing projects for public sector workers should be considered. Workers who spend a bulk of their salaries on rent or live in inadequate shelter cannot give their best in service. A well-housed workforce is a more stable and motivated workforce.”
The Platform however, urged workers themselves to rise to the occasion by demonstrating utmost professionalism, punctuality, discipline, and dedication to duty as the government continues to invest heavily in their welfare. (Ends)
