Ondo NULGE clocks two years, reels out welfare, institutional reforms

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ondo State chapter, on Tuesday marked two years of the administration of its President, Comrade Fredrick Akinrinlola, with a scorecard highlighting major reforms in workers’ welfare, capacity development and institutional strengthening.

Speaking in Akure, Akinrinlola said his leadership had prioritised fairness, equity and professionalism for local government workers across the state, stressing that tangible progress had been recorded since he assumed office.

He said one of the landmark achievements of the administration was the approval of Grade Level 17 for Heads of Local Government Administration, describing the move as a major step towards aligning their career progression with the approved scheme of service.

According to him, the union also pushed for greater political inclusion of local government workers, leading to the appointment of some members into political offices.

Akinrinlola expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for what he described as his responsiveness to the union’s demands, particularly in considering NULGE members for appointments.

On workers’ welfare, the NULGE president said the new minimum wage had been implemented, while outstanding salary arrears, leave bonuses, COVID-19 allowances and hazard allowances for health workers had been cleared.

“No public servant should suffer financial hardship while in active service,” he said.

He added that the administration had strengthened the operational capacity of the union through the procurement of official vehicles for principal officers across the 18 local government areas, the Local Government Service Commission and other boards.

Akinrinlola said a Toyota Hiace bus was acquired for the state NULGE chapter, while 18-seater buses were provided for each local government branch to enhance mobility and effective union operations.

He noted that staff development remained a key focus, with regular promotions, workshops and training programmes organised to improve professionalism and service delivery among members.

The NULGE president also disclosed that over N6bn had been released for the payment of outstanding gratuities to retired local government workers, while serving staff benefitted from Christmas bonuses.

He said the gesture was aimed at restoring dignity to retirees and boosting the morale of serving workers.

Akinrinlola, who reiterated his commitment to sustaining the reforms, thanked the state government for its support, pledging that the union would continue to work towards positioning NULGE in Ondo State as a model for effective public service unionism.