Some workers in Bwari Area Council of FCT have called on the council administration to improve the welfare of staff to meet economic challenges.

The workers spoke in separate interviews with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja while commemorating the 2024 International Workers Day.

Hassan Isa, one of the workers, while congratulating all workers on their efforts toward developing the society at different levels, prayed that their labour would not be wasted.

He said even though, the council administration had put in place several measures in the past, to bring succour to the suffering of the people, there was need for improvement to meet up with the present challenges.

“We know that some of these capital projects are essential, but it is also good to consider and ensure the well-being of your workers and the people generally because we are going through difficult times.

“It has not been easy for us; everything keeps increasing, from food to transportation and other basic needs.

“We expect some incentives be put in place to reduce the pain and if that cannot work, we can at least, receive our salaries early enough to meet our family needs.

“Delaying it is frustrating and it puts us in more debt that the salary cannot cover.

“Government is trying but it can actually do more,” Isa said.

He also urged Nigerian workers generally to imbibe and maintain the ethics and values of their various professions, irrespective of economic hardship.

Similarly, Hauwa Ademola, another worker in the council, appealed for speedy disbursement of dues owed and other federal government approved incentives.

She said: “Every time the Federal Government approves any monetary incentive for workers generally, we do not get ours on time and the arrears keep stalling.

“It is not fair to us. We spend money to come to work and believe we should be paid for our labour.

“The administration needs to improve on these payments because times are getting harder and tougher by the day.

“Let us not discourage each other in our efforts on building a better society.”

Mr Ademola also urged Nigerian workers not to relent in doing their duties, while encouraging them to offer their contributions to the public with the fear of God, irrespective of the challenges.

She advised those who indulge in legal businesses to also make good efforts to contribute to the nation’s development.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the council, John Gabaya, assured residents of the council that his administration remained committed to serving and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

Mr Gabaya, in his congratulatory message to workers in the council, said that Workers Day offered an opportunity to highlight the importance of workers in governments’ efforts to improving the society.

He commended all the workers in the council for their patience, strength, passion and commitment to the development of the council.

The chairman, while urging them not to relent in their positive contributions to the economy, promised to prioritise the welfare of the workers in the council.

“We appreciate your contributions; they are indeed the lifeblood of our economy because, without the contributions of the workers, no government can achieve its dream.

“Let us remain productive and committed to duty as we all join hands to take Bwari to greater heights in line with our administration’s Greater Bwari agenda.

“As a government, we will continue to make the welfare of workers our priority and ensure that we play our role in creating a good working environment for workers in the council,” Mr Gabaya said.

(NAN)