Zulum Allocates ₦2bn For Workers’ Loan, Raises Gratuity To ₦2.4bn

To mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum took the initiative on Tuesday to present a check of two billion naira (N2b) to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Borno State.

This funding is intended for disbursing interest-free loans to eligible workers, with a repayment period spanning 24 months. The presentation ceremony followed a meeting between the governor and NLC officials, with Comrade Yusuf Inuwa, the labor chairman in Borno State, leading the delegation.

This meeting unfolded within the confines of the Government House council chambers in Maiduguri. During this gathering, Governor Zulum encouraged the NLC to engage in discussions with the state’s Ministry of Finance to determine the criteria for workers eligible to receive these loans and the method for loan recovery through monthly deductions, which should not exceed one-third of their salaries.

Furthermore, Governor Zulum made a significant announcement, revealing a 100% increase in the monthly allocations designated for the settlement of gratuity backlogs.

This monthly allocation has surged from N100 million to N200 million, translating to an annual commitment of N2.4 billion. Gratuity payments constitute lump-sum amounts provided to retired workers, who also receive monthly pensions.

Borno State has grappled with gratuity arrears, and Governor Zulum has already taken steps to address this issue by releasing approximately N20 billion. Despite the ongoing retirements, the governor introduced a policy streamlining the transition of retired workers from salaries to pensions, eliminating the cumbersome documentation process and extended waiting periods.

Additionally, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, in line with the outcomes of his meeting with the NLC, announced the allocation of 30 buses for the subsidized transportation of workers in Maiduguri. These buses will be operated by the Borno Express Transport Corporation, serving as vital transportation links between pick-up points along major routes and the Musa Usman secretariat. This service aims to enhance the daily commute for workers.

Furthermore, Governor Zulum issued directives to the state’s Ministry of Finance to address outstanding promotional benefits owed to workers, particularly those whose names were inadvertently omitted during previous disbursements. Workers who are owed promotional benefits from 2016 to 2018 will receive their due payments. Those entitled to promotional benefits from 2019 to the present will be paid based on their recent participation in a promotional examination.

Prior to Governor Zulum’s official announcements, Comrade Yusuf Inuwa, the Chairman of the NLC in Borno State, presented a list of demands to the governor, several of which were granted.

The NLC sought loans to support workers’ entrepreneurial pursuits, allocation of buses for transportation, and the resolution of outstanding promotional benefits. Additionally, Inuwa requested an increase in the monthly allocation for pension payments.

In conclusion, Chairman Inuwa expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for addressing their key demands, emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue between labor and the government to further improve the welfare of workers at both the state and local government levels.