By Stephen Adeleye.
The organised labour unions in Kogi State have called on Governor Ahmed Ododo to urgently tackle the persistent water scarcity in Lokoja by restoring the Greater Lokoja Water Works to full capacity.
The labour made the appeal during the 2025 Worker’s Day celebration in Lokoja by the state chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Gabriel Amari and Ahmed Tijani, respectively.
While commending the governor for reviving the Old Lokoja Water Works, the unions noted that its output falls far short of the city’s growing water demand.
“Water scarcity severely hampers workers’ productivity. Many residents are forced to rely on untreated sources, leading to health risks and increased cases of waterborne diseases,” Amari said.
He warned that indiscriminate drilling of boreholes, due to the shortage of potable water l, adding that such activity is depleting underground water reserves and threatening the future water supply would not augur well for
“To break the jinx of ‘water everywhere but not a drop to drink’ in Lokoja, urgent repairs and restoration of the Lokoja Greater Water Works are imperative,” he added.
The unions also urged the state government to clear the backlog of gratuities owed to retirees, many of whom are struggling despite dedicating their lives to the development of the state.
“We acknowledge the government’s efforts so far, but retirees deserve more than just hope after decades of service,” Tijani said.
They also highlighted the delay in implementing overdue staff promotions—some pending for up to six years—and stressed the need for cash backing and incremental adjustments to the current minimum wage.
“Implementing these outstanding promotions will boost worker morale and enhance productivity in the civil service,” the unions stated.
Despite these concerns, the labour unions praised Governor Ododo’s strides in infrastructure, human capital development, agriculture, health, and prompt payment of salaries.
They lauded his administration for harmonizing pensions, initiating worker training programs, and appointing labour leaders into key roles.
In response, Governor Ododo thanked the unions for their dedication to the state’s progress and reaffirmed his commitment to workers’ welfare.
He cited the timely implementation of the national minimum wage, a one-year tax exemption on it, and regular salary payments as key achievements.
Ododo added that his administration had released N1.2 billion in the past year N100 million monthly for clearing gratuity arrears and promised to review the unions’ requests for possible implementation.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
