Workers in Delta State have expressed displeasure over what they discribed as government insensitivity to their plight occasioned by the high cost of accommodation, transport and feeding.
The workers who spoke during the International Workers Day Celebration held at the Historic Cenotaph, Asaba lamented the tough economic hardship they are facing, and called on the Delta State Government to adopt palliative measures to alleviate their suffering.
Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Delta State, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku who delivered the joint speech on behalf of NLC and the Trade Union Congress, identified poverty and insecurity as the challenges confronting workers .
He stated further,”Insecurity has robbed communities of peace, displaced families, and disrupted livelihoods. It has increased the cost of doing business and discouraged investment. Most painfully, it has placed workers the backbone of national development-in harm’s way,
“A nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its workers cannot guarantee the prosperity of its economy. Security is not a privilege; it is the foundation of decent work”,
“Poverty weakens the workforce, reduces productivity, and fuels social tension. When workers eam wages that cannot meet basic needs, when families must choose between food and healthcare, when young graduates roam the streets without jobs, poverty becomes a national emergency”
Continuing, Ofobruku said, “This year’s theme, “Insecurity, Poverty – Bane of Decent Work,” speaks directly to the realities confronting millions of workers across our country and across the world. It is a theme that forces us to confront uncomfortable truths-but also one that challenges us to imagine a better future”
The Delta State NLC Chairman expressed concern over the non appointment of permanent secretaries .
According to Comrade Ofobruku, “The continued non-appointment of substantive Permanent Secretaries has become a matter of deep concem – not only for qualified officers who have served diligently, but for the entire civil service structure.,
“Appointing officers merely to function as Permanent Secretaries is alien to the traditions and standards of the civil service. It creates uncertainty, weakens institutional memory, and undermines the merit-based progression that keeps the service strong,
“When has lowering the bar become the standard? A civil service thrives when excellence is rewarded, when career progression is predictable, and when leadership positions are filled transparently and in accordance with established rules”
He expressed sadness over the plight of retirees under the contributory pension scheme, urging the Delta State Government to intervene urgently.
“We must also speak honestly about the growing hardship faced by workers after retirement, especially those under the contributory pension scheme,
“A situation where many retirees after serving the government faithfully for 35 years – go home with less than $50,000 as monthly pension in today’s economy is deeply troubling. It is not something we should be proud to talk about,
“Our senior citizens, who once carried the weight of the state on their shoulders, are now struggling to survive. Many are dying in large numbers because their monthly pension cannot meet their basic needs-food, medication, shelter, and dignity,
“Delta State Government should take deliberate and compassionate steps to ameliorate their suffering. A society that honours its retirees strengthens the morale of its active workforce”, Ofobruku stated.
He called for the construction of low-cost housing for Delta State workers as well as the need for government to support mass transit systems.
“Affordable, reliable transportation reduces the financial burden on workers, improves punctuality and productivity, and enhances overall quality of life. A modern workforce deserves modern mobility,
“Decent work is not a luxury. It is a right. And it is achievable when we place human dignity at the centre of development”
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori expressed the committmrnt of his administration to the welfare and dignity of labour, describing the state’s workforce as the “engine room” of the economy and the backbone of governance.
Governor Oborevworri represented by the State Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, noted that insecurity and poverty remain the greatest threats to productivity.
“As your Governor, I remain committed to protecting the interests of workers and expanding opportunities for all.
“I urge you to remain dedicated and professional as we work together to build a stronger and prosperous Delta State; this is because, today, we celebrate the 2026 International Workers’ Day in Delta State, a fitting tribute to the dignity of labour and to the men and women whose daily efforts sustain our State and drive our progress.
“The 2026 Workers’ Day theme, Insecurity, Poverty – Bane of Decent Work, highlights the harsh realities undermining the dignity and productivity of labour in Nigeria,
“The theme calls for urgent, collective action to restore the true meaning of decent work by addressing both insecurity and poverty; this includes strengthening security, creating sustainable jobs, ensuring fair wages, investing in skills development, and supporting workers through social protection and improved living conditions.
“It is gratifying to state that within the past three years, our State has witnessed industrial peace and harmony. I must commend the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, including their affiliate unions in the State for the sustained understanding and co-operation..
“We remain mindful of our retirees, whose service laid the foundation for today’s progress.
“To date, we have cleared pension benefits for State workers and cleared outstanding liabilities at the local government level. This is our commitment to dignity in retirement.
“In response to current economic realities, we have also prioritised social protection and economic empowerment. Through the M.O.R.E Grant Scheme and the D-CARES programme, hundreds of thousands of Deltans, traders, artisans, and entrepreneurs have received support to sustain and grow their livelihoods.
Governor Oborevworri hinted that his administration had employed teachers and health workers to fill the existing vacancies in the education and health sectors.
Sam Erhunmwunsee, Radio Nigeria Asaba
