Governor Alex Otti has added to his list of innovations with the creation of the Ministry of Labour. This is the first of its kind in Abia State. I have particularly singled out the ministry for quite some reasons. One, because of the history of workers’ working conditions in Abia and the efforts the Governor has made to address the issues. I am aware that issues of workers’ salaries and emoluments are strong political sentiments in Abia. Same with the untidy pension procedures. The second reason is the misunderstandings that have arisen from the sincere actions of the Governor to cleanse the Augean Stable by overhauling the civil service through recertification measures and installing of new processes.
Following from this background, I consider the vision of the new ministry as a right step in the right direction. I am particularly excited by the ministry because of the onerous role it is set to play. Given the history of industrial and labour disputes in Abia State, a vision for a separate organ to manage labour relations can only be described as a farsighted vision of value. I see in this vision a sincere desire by a leader to create a polity and a society of law and order. I also see a leader committed to the welfare of the workforce. I see an eye on a lasting legacy.
The ministry will be saddled with the responsibility of Labour administration in the state and this will involve all policies geared towards the protection of the workforce, productivity and industrial peace. The ministry will serve the entire public service and the corporate bodies in Abia State. It will work on behalf of the employers and employees to ensure harmonious work relations across the state.
Workers can seek assistance for any labour related grievances or legal matters by contacting the Ministry of Labour. There is now an organ that can warehouse the issues of workers for onward dialogue and resolution with the chief executive. There is now a body that can protect the right of workers and guarantee their welfare.
There are so many expectations for the new Ministry. Beyond dispute resolutions, the Ministry will have to organize development trainings and skill acquisition programmes to improve the quality of service and enhance the capacity of productivity of the workforce. The trainings will also bring them up to date with innovations in work applications so that they can be at speed with modern trends. The Ministry will also have to establish and enforce employment standards, prevent workplace injuries, illness and other occupational hazards that occur at the workplace.
They will have the responsibility to plan, devise and implement the state policies on works and infrastructural developments. They will deal with issues of staff salaries, minimum wage issues, promotion of staff, pension administration and other welfare benefits accruable to staff. They will serve as an intermediary between workers and employers.
I can discern and interpret the Governor’s motives in creating the Ministry of Labour. The Governor wants to sublet the issues of workers working conditions to experts for proper management. He wants a body that will take up the issues of workers’ relations as their whole duty and task for proper administration. He is fulfilling his campaign pronouncements that a worker deserves his wages and his clarion call that Abians should weep no more. He intends to give a better and renewed sense of belonging to workers by permanently healing the festering sore on the body polity of Abia State in respect to workers’ condition of service.
The Governor has set a pace with the new ministry. The Ministry will therefore serve as a laboratory to distill the grievances and other matters of workers for the attention of His Excellency. This is a great bridge-building for the posterity of Abia.
Adindu writes from Umuahia
