Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has presented a cheque of two billion naira to the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, in the State for the disbursement of interest-free loans to eligible workers, The loans are to be repaid over a 24-month period.
The presentation took place after a meeting between the governor and officials of the NLC, led by the labour chairman in Borno State, Comrade Yusuf Inuwa.
Governor Zulum asked the NLC to liaise with the state Ministry Of Finance to determine the category of workers entitled to the loans, as well as the loan recovery, through monthly deductions of not more than one-third of salaries.
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The governor also announced a 100% increase in monthly releases for the payment of the backlog of gratuities.
For years, retired workers in Borno State have been owed gratuities for which Governor Zulum has released about 20 billion Naira to mreduce the backlog.
Although many are still being owed, Governor Zulum has introduced a policy of automatic migration of retired workers from salaries to pensions.
Governor Zulum has also directed the state’s Ministry Of Finance, to clear backlogs of promotional benefits owed workers, whose names were omitted during earlier payments.
Part of the outcome of his meeting with the NLC included Governor Zulum’s announcement of the provision of 30 buses dedicated to conveying workers in the metropolis at subsidised fares.
The NLC chairman thanked Governor Zulum for efforts towards meeting their demands, but told him to expect even more demands in the future
Editor Oloyede Oworu
