FG sues for unity, synergy and collaboration with labour unions

The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has called for continued partnership and synergy between government and the organised labour in Ministries, extra-ministerial Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for optimal performance and effective delivery of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

The Director Overseeing, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare (SWO), in the Office of Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), Dr. Comfort Adeosun stated this at the 4th Permanent Secretary’s Quarterly Forum with Leaders of the Joint Union across MDAs on Wednesday, 24th January 2024. This was contained in a statement signed by Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director, Communications.

Dr. Adeosun noted that the Forum was established to improve synergy that will stimulate a harmonious working relationship between the Unions and Government for enhanced service delivery. “It is equally to enlighten them on various initiatives of Government on issues relating to the general welfare of Public Servants and to create an enabling environment for easy implementation of staff-friendly policies that will improve the wellbeing and welfare of workers in the Service,” she added.

She also disclosed that the quarterly event was stalled since 2019 due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the Office. She, however hinted that the importance of resuscitating the meeting cannot be over emphasised, given the significant role it plays in the resolution of conflict with regards to labour related matters, anchored on a collective bargaining process through constant dialogue between the two parties.

The Director Overseeing further said that the success of previous meetings had gone a long way in restoring the confidence of the Organized Labour on Government’s determination to improve the welfare of workers, birthing industrial peace and harmony.

She appreciated the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoSF) for her dogged commitment to the welfare and well-being of the Service.“This commitment is expressed in the approval to resuscitate the Forum with a directive to ensure its sustenance, in order to consolidate on the existing harmonious working relationship between the Government and Labour in MDAS,” she stated.

Dr. Adeosun disclosed that the OHCSF is committed to ensuring the continuity of the Forum for improvement of synergy and cohesion. It is an impetus for the progress of the Public Service, leveraging on conflict resolution mechanism to nip in the bud labour contentious issues, thereby forestalling the escalation of industrial unrest, which hinders national growth.

She assured the members that Government would continue to do everything possible in improving the welfare of workers, as well as strengthening their capacities to deliver on their mandates. “It is important for us to be well informed on Government plans, policies and programmes to guarantee healthy communication,” she concluded.

Speaking earlier, the Acting Director, Employee and Industrial Relations, Mr Dominic Chibueze Nwachuckwu stated that Government cannot function as a critical component of nation building without the co-operation of labour. “Government cannot deliver on its core mandates, if a conducive environment for Civil Servants is not guaranteed and one element, which assures that is the workforce,” he added.

The Deputy Director, Employee Relations, Mr. Dangana Adamu Tende, further explained that the programme will foster synergy between government and labour.

In his remarks, the National President, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN)/Vice President, Joint Council, Dr. Tommy Etim Okon stated that information is key and where you congregate union leaders from MDAs, you are creating a way to ensuring that there is industrial peace and harmony. “Without industrial peace and harmony, there will be no progress. No policy thrives without it,” he said.

Dr. Okon also noted that the HoSF is very strategic in her engagement with the union leaders. While appreciating her dexterity and leadership style, he added that the Forum is the way to go, especially taking into cognisance that for the next few months the issue of a new National Minimum Wage against the backdrop of present economic conditions, will be a reoccurring one. There will be a lot of clamour by workers, most especially for the payment of N35,000 peculiar allowance.

He, again, noted that the fora provides an opportunity to inform and enlighten union leaders about Government policies towards its workforce. “This is 21st century strategy to ensure that workers are adequately informed, and by so doing, it will also encourage them to be more productive.”

The President of the Joint Union Negotiating Council/Chairman, ASCSN, OHCSF Chapter, Comrade Ameh Sylvester agreed that the meeting will go a long way in sensitizing workers about the policies of the OHCSF, which aims to enhance work flow and to secure a buy-in from them concerning the innovative approach to work processes, as enshrined in FCSSIP-25. He promised that they will disseminate the information gathered and decisions reached to the workers.

The eight (8) Unions represented at the Forum are:
COUNCIL I: Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN),
COUNCIL II: Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU),
Nigeria Union of Public Service Reportorial, Secretarial, Data Processing and Allied Workers (NUPSTRAW).
COUNCIL III;
Medical Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN),
National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM),
Nigeria Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees (NUAAE),
Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Re-creational Services Employees (AUPCTRE),
Nigeria Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Products Workers (NUPPPPROW).