Fayemi laments inability to meet gratuity demands in Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, says the present economic situation in the country has made it impossible for his administration to pay gratuities to all the retirees in the state.

Speaking when her received labour leaders in his office, Fayemi said his government remains committed to the welfare of workers in the state and will continue to do its possible best to clear their salaries and gratuities.

“Unfortunately, our pensioners allowed themselves to be deceived when opposition elements distorted the objectives behind our promissory note and bonds scheme which would have enabled us clear a good number of pensioners’ gratuities by now.

“So, we have had to continue with our N100 million monthly commitment for payment for gratuities to pensioners. Even that has now become difficult for us in our current economic circumstances.

“On promotion arrears, we’ve cleared 2017/2018, we have 2019/2020 that we have to come to terms with. Equally, I know minimum wage adjustment for level 14 and above is one of the issues on your table.

“We would keep trying to make sure that we make our workers happy and put the leadership of the workforce in a place where they can also hold their own heads high.”

Fayemi, however revealed that current cash crunch being experienced by many state governments, including Ekiti was as a result of the global down turn which he said had resulted in zero- remittance by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to the Federation Account in the last six months.

“Despite this difficult economic situation, my government had kept its promise not to owe workers’ salaries, hence the regular salary payment to workers in Ekiti,” he added.

He said government would continue to do everything possible within available resources to address issues concerning the welfare and wellbeing of the workers, urging them to show understanding with government.

The governor commended the leadership of the NLC for their solidarity, support and commitment to workers’ welfare.According to him, even though there were times both labour and government disagree on some issues which is inevitable, he commended the labour leadership for not being disagreeable at any time.

“So your point about deductions and promotion arrears is well taken and I believe we would do something before this administration completes its tenure in office,” he added.