On International Labour Day, Hon Aminu Mu’azu Maifata, the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), called for a fairer distribution of resources among federal, state, and local governments, while extending heartfelt greetings and acknowledging the dedication of local government workers across the nation.
In a heartfelt message to mark International Labour Day, the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon Aminu Mu’azu Maifata, extended his warmest greetings and commendations to local government workers across the nation.
Speaking on behalf of ALGON’s National Executive Council, Board of Trustees, and staff, as well as personally from his family, Hon Maifata expressed profound respect and appreciation for the dedication and hard work of local government employees. He highlighted their role as a critical component of national development, praising their dexterity, patriotism, and commitment despite challenges in some local government areas (LGAs).
Hon Maifata took the opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of the 36 state ALGON Chairmen and the FCT counterpart, noting their resilience amid various challenges, including undue influences from some state governors. He criticized the uneven distribution of resources which often leaves local governments underfunded and overburdened, advocating for a fairer sharing formula to better support grassroots responsibilities as outlined in the 1999 constitution.
ALGON’s commitment to enhancing governance at the local level was reaffirmed, with promises to foster good governance and build synergies across various sectors to strengthen local governments. Hon Maifata called on all stakeholders to respect and protect local governance as mandated by the constitution.
Addressing the economic challenges facing workers, Hon Maifata made a poignant appeal for better wage conditions and emphasized ALGON’s advocacy efforts for a living wage to improve working conditions across the Area Councils and LGAs. He acknowledged the ongoing support from the government and National Assembly in these endeavors.
The ALGON President also expressed solidarity with the rural workers, praising their resilience and urging them to maintain faith in the current administration. He expressed hope that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would extend the same support to LGAs as he did during his tenure as governor.
Furthermore, Hon Maifata called for increased collaboration with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the National Union of Local Government Employees to strengthen the local government system through constitutional amendments.
On a final note, Hon Maifata stressed the importance of implementing the Contributory Pension Scheme at the local level and highlighted the need for technical support and repositioning of industry clusters to ensure the survival and prosperity of rural dwellers and civil servants amidst growing insecurities and infrastructural neglect.
As the country celebrates Workers’ Day, ALGON’s message was clear: a call for recognition, respect, and better support for the tireless workers at the foundation of Nigeria’s local governance.