Anambra NULGE Demands Recruitment of Workers into Unified Local Government System

By Praise Chinecherem

The Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Anambra State chapter, has called for immediate recruitment of junior workers in the Unified Local Government System.

State President of NULGE, Chikwelu Adigwe who disclosed this during his executives’ visit to the Anambra State Local Government Service commission Board, also called for urgent establishment of the state Local Government Staff Pensions Board.

He said the constitution of the board would assist the retired pensioners in pursuit of their retirement benefits easily.

He stressed the need for the union’s executive to be well informed of the Commission’s policies for effective interpretation and dissemination of adequate information to members in the 21 local government areas of the state

According to Adigwe, the visit was to partner with the new board and discuss challenges confronting both the Commission and NULGE for discipline and enhanced productivity in the Local Government System.

He said, “We’ll collaborate with the State Local Government Service Commission Board for improved service delivery and sustainable development of the grassroots. 

“The challenges facing the Local Government System yearning for urgent Government attention include: disruption of administrative and financial management by government agents resulting to redundancy, incessant interferences in duties and schedules of Secretary of the Local Government Service Commission and effects of overstayed Staff in a particular local government among others.”

While promising to direct all workers in the Unified Local Government System in the state to show more commitment to their duties, NULGE boss appealed to board members to allow the serving Union Leaders to complete their tenure of office before being transferred to another local government.

He equally appealed to the board to consider the place of abode when posting staff out, bring back automatic promotion and appointment of qualified staff as well as employment of the next of kin when a staff dies in active service as a source of encouragement and motivation to the affected workers.

Responding, Chairman, Anambra State Local Government Service Commission Awka, Barr. Vin Ifeanyi Ezeaka, promised to transform the Local Government System positively and carry the Union Leaders along to bring back the lost glory of the Local Government System especially as it concerns positive attitudinal change, discipline and productivity.

Ezeaka who assured his leadership readiness to reorganize the system, called on the workers to live up to expectation, shun truancy and absenteeism to work to avoid disciplinary action by the board. 

He also revealed the Commission’s intention to reward dedicated, outstanding and best-performing workers in the system as a way of motivation and job satisfaction for the staff.

In a vote of thanks, the NULGE State Secretary, Comrade Andy Okolo, commended the board for their efforts towards making Anambra State Local Government System a model for others to emulate. 

He also appreciated the Commission’s readiness to maintain a synergy with the Union Leaders, adding that the existing cordial relationship would bring about improved services and recorded achievement in the Local Government System.

Present at the visit were Member I of the Commission Hon. Azubuike Okoye, Member I1,  Hon. Uchenna Okafor, Member Ill Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Ekwuim.