By DAYO ADESULU
The Organized Labour in Nigeria, comprising the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), has put forth a proposal aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of local governments across the nation. This initiative includes a staff redistribution, placement, and auditing exercise to accurately ascertain the number of local government workers, primary school teachers, and pensioners in all 774 local government areas.
- Suspension of New Staff Recruitment for Stability
Under the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of local government-based unions, the proposal also suggests an embargo on recruiting new staff, including teachers, for one year following the Supreme Court ruling on direct financial payments. This measure is intended to ensure stability as local governments transition to a direct remittance system for federal allocations.
- Seven-Point Recommendations for Effective Local Government Operations
The leadership of NUT, NULGE, and NUP, including President Titus Amba, President-General Ambali Akeem, and President Godwin Abumisi, presented their seven-point recommendations. They emphasized that to facilitate a smooth implementation of the direct payment system, a thorough staff redistribution and auditing process is essential.
- Restructuring Supervisory Institutions for Inclusivity
The JAC has further advocated for a restructuring of the supervisory institutions that oversee local government workers. The proposed changes include expanding statutory membership to incorporate local government chairmen, heads of local government-based unions, and other pertinent stakeholders, enhancing quality control and inclusivity.
- Proposed Membership for Key Institutions
– **Local Government Service Commission (LGSC)**: Representatives from the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and NULGE.
– **State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)**: Representatives from ALGON and NUT.
– **Local Government Staff Pension Board**: Representatives from ALGON, NUP, NULGE, and NUT.
– **Primary Health Care Agency**: Representatives from ALGON and local health practitioners.
- Federal Government Intervention for Infrastructure Development
Recognizing the significant infrastructural deficits within many local governments, the JAC has called for federal intervention in procuring essential machinery and equipment. This includes tractors, graders, refuse disposal vans, and tools for vocational skill acquisition centers, with funding to be deducted from local government allocations over time.
- Enhancing Local Government Security and Welfare
The JAC has proposed a reorganization of the local government peace and security committee, focusing on intelligence gathering and regular meetings to improve safety protocols. Additionally, recommendations for worker welfare emphasize the need for training, capacity building, and ensuring consistent payment structures within local government systems.
- Proposed Financial Management Strategies
The recommendations include a detailed financial management framework to ensure worker welfare and stability:
– Gross salaries of local government workers to be managed by the Local Government Service Commission.
– 2% of total local government allocations to support running grants for the Local Government Service Commission.
– Management of primary school teachers’ salaries through SUBEB, with 1.5% allocated for running grants.
– 25% of gross salaries for pensions and gratuities to be deducted and allocated to the Local Government Staff Pension Board.
- Strengthening the Federal Ministry of Special Duties
To further support local government reforms, the JAC has proposed strengthening the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs as a supervisory body. This ministry would be responsible for policy formulation, coordination, and implementation, as well as overseeing quarterly summits aimed at reviewing economic policies related to local governance.
These comprehensive recommendations from the Organized Labour seek to enhance the functionality and sustainability of local governments in Nigeria, ensuring better service delivery and improved worker welfare in the wake of recent judicial changes.
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