The Organised Labour, which includes the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), has put forth a comprehensive proposal aimed at improving the functioning of local governments across Nigeria. This initiative involves a staff redistribution, placement, and auditing exercise designed to accurately assess the number of local government workers, primary school teachers, and pensioners in all 774 local government areas throughout the country.
Operating under the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of local government-based unions, the Organised Labour has suggested a one-year recruitment freeze for new staff in local governments and schools, starting from the date of the Supreme Court’s ruling on direct payments. This measure aims to create stability during the transition to a direct remittance system for federal allocations, which follows the Supreme Court’s recent decision granting financial autonomy to local governments.
Key figures from the unions, including NUT President Titus Amba, NULGE President-General Ambali Akeem, and NUP President Godwin Abumisi, outlined a seven-point recommendation plan. They emphasized that for a successful implementation of the direct payment system, it is crucial to understand the current workforce levels in local governments and educational institutions. The recommendation to pause recruitment will allow local governments to concentrate on developmental projects and improve service delivery.
Additionally, JAC has called for a restructuring of the agencies overseeing local government workers. The proposed changes would expand the membership of these agencies to include local government chairpersons, union leaders, and other stakeholders to enhance quality control and inclusivity. For instance, the Local Government Service Commission and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) would include representatives from relevant associations, ensuring broader representation in decision-making processes.
To address the pressing issues of infrastructural deficits and inadequate service delivery, JAC has urged federal intervention to procure essential machinery and equipment for local governments. This includes items such as tractors, refuse disposal vehicles, and materials for vocational training centers. Funding for these procurements would be gradually deducted from local government allocations.
Moreover, the proposal includes measures for improving workers’ welfare and fostering industrial harmony. It suggests that local government worker salaries be managed by the Local Government Service Commission, with specific percentages of allocations set aside for training and pension payments.
To further bolster the local government system, JAC proposes enhancing the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs to ensure effective policy formulation and coordination. This would involve regular summits to review and improve local government operations, ensuring alignment with broader government economic policies.
Overall, these recommendations seek to streamline local government operations, promote efficiency, and ultimately enhance the quality of service delivery across Nigeria.