Most Governors Reside Permanently in Abuja, Says NLC President

 The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Joe Ajaero, has strongly criticized the growing trend of state governors spending most of their time in Abuja rather than focusing on governance in their respective states. 

Speaking on Monday at a town hall meeting with workers at the NLC Secretariat in Lokoja, Kogi State, Ajaero emphasized that no governor possesses the authority to ban labor unions, as union activities fall under the exclusive legislative list in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Ajaero made these remarks in reaction to the proscription of labor unions in state-owned tertiary institutions by the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. He argued that labor unions are recognized nationally and registered by the Registrar of Trade Unions, making it unconstitutional for any governor to proscribe them. According to him, “You don’t ban what you don’t have control over. Unions are registered nationally, and for administrative convenience, they may choose to have branches in states.”

Beyond the legal implications, Ajaero lamented the poor governance structure in many states, attributing it to the prolonged absence of governors, who he claimed now reside permanently in Abuja. He warned that this development is detrimental to the well-being of the citizens, as many pressing issues affecting the populace remain unaddressed.

To support the local NLC chapter, Ajaero announced the delivery and inauguration of ten Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to alleviate transportation difficulties for workers in Kogi State. He further expressed concerns about the rising economic hardship in the country and condemned any plans to increase telecommunications tariffs, arguing that such a move would further strain the already overburdened Nigerian workers.

Highlighting the importance of accountability, Ajaero noted that in the five zones his leadership has visited, governors have only been available in one, reinforcing his concerns about absentee leadership. He urged state governments to prioritize their responsibilities, stating that governance must be people-centered and accessible.

During the town hall meeting, workers in Kogi State aired their grievances, particularly about the prolonged ban on unions in institutions such as Kogi State Polytechnic, Kogi State University, and the State Colleges of Education, Technology, and Nursing. Other concerns raised included the non-implementation of annual salary increases, inadequate housing provisions for workers, and a severe shortage of teachers in primary and junior secondary schools. Ajaero reassured the workers that the NLC leadership would take up these issues with the state governor and ensure appropriate action is taken.