The chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Goodluck Ofobruku, and his counterpart, the leader of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Comrade Wilson Asekutu, have expressed concern over the non-appointment of substantive permanent secretaries in the state.
Representing the State Governor at the event, the Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, said the state government remained committed to strengthening the civil service and improving workers’ welfare.
The duo of union leaders stated this in a joint speech delivered at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration with the theme, “Insecurity and poverty are the bane of decent work,” in Asaba.
The duo said, “The continued non-appointment of substantive permanent secretaries has become a matter of deep concern, not only for qualified officers who have served diligently, but for the entire civil service structure.”
They added, “Appointing officers merely to function as permanent secretaries is alien to the traditions and standards of the civil service,” noting that it creates uncertainty, weakens institutional memory, and undermines the merit-based progression that keeps the service strong.
They expressed worries over the lowering of standards, stressing that “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.”
On the plight of retirees under the contributory pension scheme, they said there is growing hardship faced by workers after retirement, especially those under the scheme, adding that many are dying in large numbers because their monthly pensions cannot meet basic needs, food, medication, shelter and dignity.
They called on the Delta State Government to take deliberate and compassionate steps to ameliorate their suffering, saying a society that honours its retirees strengthens the morale of its active workforce.
They also said, “Workers deserve not only decent jobs but decent living conditions.” They urged the Delta State government to make this a priority, ensuring that those who serve the state can also afford to live in dignity.
“In the same spirit, government-supported mass transit systems are essential. 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.”
On insecurity, they noted that “no economy can thrive where insecurity persists, as farmers cannot cultivate their crops, traders cannot travel, teachers cannot teach, businesses cannot expand, and young people cannot dream freely.”
“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.”
They added that “poverty is more than a lack of income; it is a barrier to opportunity. It weakens the workforce, reduces productivity, and fuels social tension.”
“When workers earn wages that cannot meet basic needs, when families must choose between food and healthcare, and when young graduates roam the streets without jobs, poverty becomes a national emergency.”
“Decent work is not merely employment; it is employment with dignity, fair wages, safe conditions, social protection, and the opportunity to build a meaningful life.”
“A society where workers remain trapped in poverty cannot claim to be progressing.”
The union leaders, however, noted that to overcome insecurity and poverty, there must be a collective commitment to strengthening national security through intelligence-driven strategies and community collaboration; creating sustainable jobs that offer long-term stability; investing in skills development, especially for young people; and ensuring fair wages and enforcement of labour standards so that work lifts people out of poverty.
Other solutions they proffered include supporting small and medium enterprises, the largest employers of labour; expanding social protection systems to shield workers from shocks; and promoting dialogue between government, labour, and the private sector, as progress requires partnership.
