Bayelsa Govt, NULGE, MHWUN, Adopt Biometric Exercise

The Bayelsa state government, the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) have agreed to the full implementation of biometric programme at the local government level to bring sanity back to the system.

Disclosing the outcome of the meeting at a press briefing held at the Government House in Yenagoa, the State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, said the stakeholders were disturbed by the present situation at the local government level, especially the attitude of the workers to work.

The stakeholders in a 7-point communiqué read by the Deputy Governor resolved as follows; all parties agreed to a full implementation of the biometric programme, including NULGE and MHWUN.

Also, the relevant authorities would address discrepancies identified in the biometric exercise, especially as it relates to a number of issues such as maternity and annual leaves.

An attendance register will be used in support of the Data capturing machine, while Laptops will be provided to support the biometric exercise.

In addition, workers who absent themselves without approval would be dealt with in accordance with the public service rules. Local government councils are to produce salary vouchers and forward same to the Ministry of Local Government Administration for review and approval.

Local governments are to remit approved deductions and to report at the next Joint Allocation Account Committee meeting.

Staff of the local government system, who are in school should apply to the relevant authorities to be granted study leave without pay.