- As NLC Seeks Low Cost Housing, Mass Transit For Workers
BY SAM DUVWODE/BY RITA OYIBOKA/JUDITH OBIANUA
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has urged local government councils in the state to enhance their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), while prioritizing transparency and accountability in their operations.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, who earned a national award from NULGE in recognition of his contributions to the welfare of local government workers, described local governments as the most critical layer of governance, stressing that no grassroots development agenda can succeed without a motivated, protected and professional workforce.
The governor highlighted the critical role of local governments as the tier closest to the people, noting that their effectiveness hinges on the commitment, welfare, and motivation of employees.
He emphasized that viewing local government resources as personal entitlements erodes the integrity of the third tier of government.
“This is why our administration continues to place premium value on the local government system as a vital instrument for touching lives and deepening development at the grassroots,” hestated.
Congratulating NULGE’s leadership and members on the occasion, Oborevwori expressed delight in associating with the union, which he holds in high esteem for its contributions to grassroots governance. He called on local government chairmen to avoid using intermediaries or pretexts to divert public funds and to involve citizens in project planning and execution to build trust and promote good governance.
Governor Oborevwori warned against exploiting environmental or administrative interventions for misappropriating council funds, describing such practices as deeply unacceptable.
He stressed that fostering transparency would reinforce accountability and strengthen the local government system’s dignity.
“Local government administration remain the closest tier of government to the people, and their effectiveness largely depends on the commitment, welfare, and motivation of the workforce. This is why our administration continues to place premium value on the local government system as a vital instrument for touching lives and deepening development at the grassroots.”
“Let me also emphasise that local government councils should strive to improve their internally generated revenue while entrenching transparency and accountability in their management structures.”
“The notion that local government resources are for the personal use of those in authority undermines the dignity and integrity of the third tier of government. Practices such as exploiting environmental or administrative interventions as avenues for misappropriating council funds are deeply unacceptable.”
“Local government chairmen should resist the temptation to use intermediaries or any pretext to divert public resources. Actively involving citizens in the planning and execution of projects will foster trust, enhance transparency, and reinforce accountability and good governance.
The governor was honoured with an award as a “Local Government and NULGE-Friendly Governor” by the national body of NULGE, which he accepted with humility and a renewed commitment to serve. He dedicated the recognition to local government workers in Delta State and across Nigeria, pledging it would motivate his administration to achieve more.
Oborevwori detailed his administration’s efforts in clearing long-standing arrears, including the release of N40 billion to settle six years of gratuities and pensions for local government retirees, followed by an additional N3.55 billion.
“By prioritizing the welfare of serving and retired local government employees, we have sought to restore dignity, strengthen morale, and reinforce the moral foundation of public service,” he said.
The governor assured continued commitment to prompt salary payments, sustained pension settlements, capacity building, and reforms to enhance local government administration. He thanked NULGE’s national leadership for recognizing Delta State as a model of labor-friendly governance and called for collective efforts to build a people-centered system.
The NULGE National President Comrade Aliyu Haruna commended Oborevwori’s exceptional support, particularly the historic N40 billion payment that restored hope and dignity to retirees. He praised the additional N3.55 billion release as a testament to responsive leadership that honours retirees rather than subjecting them to hardship.
The Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State, Chairman, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, in a goodwill message, applauded the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare but appealed for low-cost housing initiatives, noting the high cost of land in the state. He also urged the provision of mass transit vehicles for workers and encouraged local government chairmen to follow their predecessors in supplying buses to NULGE branches.
Earlier, Delta State NULGE President, Comrade Obaterhe Ogberetitinor, had disclosed that over ₦43 billion has so far been disbursed by the Oborevwori administration to clear pension and gratuity arrears, which, he said, were once owed for up to six years before the governor assumed office.
“As of today, pension and gratuity arrears have been fully cleared up to April 2025. This is a milestone in the history of local government administration in Delta State,” he said.
Ogberetitinor also commended the government for prompt payment of staff entitlements, massive infrastructure development across the state, and the consistent release of statutory funds to councils, which, he said, had repositioned local governments as engines of grassroots development.
