The Ebonyi State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has expressed concern over the delayed disbursement of the 2024 Christmas bonus promised to local government workers by Governor Francis Nwifuru.
Speaking in an interview with the journalist in Abakaliki, Comrade Stanley Ewah, President of Ebonyi NULGE, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to ensuring that all affected workers receive the ₦75,000 bonus allocated to local government employees.
According to Ewah, while state workers received ₦150,000, only local government workers who participated in a verification exercise were paid the approved ₦75,000 bonus. He noted that several workers were excluded due to not being captured during the screening process.
“We have verified those left out and are actively working with the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Ebonyi to resolve the issue. So far, 95% of the intended beneficiaries have been paid. We are optimistic that the remaining payments will be completed between June and July,” he stated.
Ewah, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ebonyi, praised Governor Nwifuru and the council chairmen for prioritizing the welfare of workers in the state.
Addressing concerns over salary delays, he explained that the challenges faced earlier in the year, especially with February and March salaries, were due to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive requiring local government areas to open dedicated salary accounts—a condition tied to local government autonomy.
He clarified that:
- April salaries have been paid in full.
- The union has advised the creation of a dedicated salary account for consistent and timely disbursement of wages.
- Only May salaries are pending
.
“Establishing a special account where monthly allocations are deposited will ensure swift salary payments without waiting for bureaucratic bottlenecks,” Ewah added.
NULGE continues to advocate for the rights, benefits, and improved welfare of local government staff across Ebonyi State.
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