May Day: NLC, TUC berate Gov Oborewvori over non-appointments of substantive perm secs in Delta
Union Leaders Urge Delta State Government to Address Staffing and Welfare Issues
ASABA, Nigeria — Goodluck Ofobruku, chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, and Wilson Asekutu, leader of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, have voiced significant concerns regarding the ongoing absence of permanent secretaries in the state’s civil service.
During the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration, which carried the theme “Insecurity and poverty are the bane of decent work,” Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme represented the state governor and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to enhancing the civil service and improving workers’ welfare.
In their joint address, Ofobruku and Asekutu highlighted that the lack of appointments for substantive permanent secretaries has raised alarm among qualified civil servants. They asserted that merely assigning individuals to perform the roles of permanent secretaries undermines the civil service’s traditions and standards. This situation, they noted, creates uncertainty and weakens institutional integrity.
“The continued non-appointment has become a matter of deep concern,” the union leaders stated. They emphasized that a well-functioning civil service thrives on excellence, predictable career progression, and transparent leadership appointments.
The union leaders also addressed challenges facing retirees within the contributory pension scheme, noting increasing hardships. Many retirees are struggling to meet basic needs, leading to a significant number of deaths linked to these financial stresses. They urged the Delta State Government to implement compassionate measures to alleviate these difficulties.
“Workers deserve not only decent jobs but decent living conditions,” they added. The leaders called on the government to prioritize initiatives that ensure the well-being of those who serve the state, including the establishment of a mass transit system to reduce transportation costs for workers.
On the topic of insecurity, they expressed that persistent threats hinder economic growth, as farmers struggle to cultivate crops and traders face barriers in traveling. They warned that communities are suffering due to the disruption of livelihoods and increased business costs.
“Insecurity has robbed communities of peace and placed workers, the backbone of national development, in harm’s way,” the leaders stated. They highlighted the imperative of ensuring worker safety as foundational to economic prosperity.
The leaders pointed out that poverty extends beyond financial deficits, presenting barriers to opportunity and workforce productivity. They called attention to the urgent need for fair wages and meaningful employment that allows individuals to build fulfilling lives.
To combat insecurity and poverty, they advocated for a collaborative approach focused on enhancing national security through informed strategies and community involvement. Recommendations included supporting small and medium enterprises, expanding social protection systems, and fostering dialogue among government, labor, and the private sector for collective progress.
The union leaders concluded by affirming that a society that honors its workers and addresses their needs can truly advance.
