Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has approved the use of N1.5 billion from the Paris Club refunds to offset part of N2.5 billion salary/and pension arrears of local government workers in the state.

The governor announced the decision during May Day celebration in the state which held at the University of Benin Sports Complex in Beninon Tuesday.

Obaseki said his administration was committed to the welfare of workers.

“I have instructed that all outstanding salaries and pension arrears owed local government workers be paid before the end of this year,” he said.

The governor said his administration had successfully paid batches 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41 of the state pensioners.

He promised to increase the monthly allocation of N100 million for the payment of pension arrears to N200 million with effect fromTuesday.

He said plans were on to enrol all local government staff in the contributory pension scheme like their counterparts in state service who were already captured in the scheme.

Obaseki said every worker who deserved promotion would be promoted to encourage productivity in the service.

The governor also promised to provide a new printing press for the state-owned Nigerian Observer newspaper company within the next three months.

He also said the government would set up Edo State Civil Service Training Institute and get it ready before the end of the year.

In their speeches, Mr Emmanuel Ademokun, the Edo Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress and Mr Marshall Orhue of Trade Union Congress, commended the governor for the prompt payment of workers’ salaries.

They also lauded the governor’s efforts in infrastructure development, reformation in the state Basic Education sector and economic reforms.

Ademokun, however, appealed to the state government to immediately commence recruiting staff into the state Ministries, Departments and Agencies to strengthen the workforce.

He also called for the implementation of the new technical cadre approved by the National Council on Establishment for the state health sector.

On his part, Orhue called on the governor to give attention to issues affecting some state establishments and improve the working conditions of permanent secretaries.

The May Day celebration was based on the theme, Labour Movement in National Development: Dare to Struggle Dare to Win. (NAN)