Birnin Kebbi – The Kebbi Government has released N145 million for the payment of outstanding leave allowance of local government staff.
Alhaji Rabiu Koko, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, told journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday that the allowance was for 2011.
Koko said that the 21 local government councils had been directed to commence payment of the new N18,000 minimum wage from January.
He said that the government was committed to improving the welfare of local government staff, including promotions, capacity building and timely payment of entitlements.
The commissioner urged the local government staff to reciprocate the gesture.
Alhaji Bello Barade, the state Chairman of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), confirmed the release of the money for the payment of the outstanding allowance.
He said, "this is a welcome development."
Barade commended the state government for releasing the fund and appealed for the release of the 2012 leave grants to the staff.
"However, staff should reciprocate the gesture by exhibiting loyalty and dedication to duty, especially now that the new wage has been approved."
He warned workers against indolence, truancy and lateness to work, and suggested that erring staff should be sanctioned. (NAN)
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