Abia targets N2 b monthly IGR as NLC proposes N141 m monthly for gratuities

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, has hinted that the state targets a monthly Internally Generated Revenue of N2 billion to enable it meet up  with its financial responsibilities amidst the dwindling federal allocation.
Ikpeazu who disclosed this Sunday during a rally at Ibeku High School Umuahia to commemorate this year's Workers' Day, said his administration was committed to improving the welfare of workers in the state.
According to him, if the state generates about N2 billion monthly as IGR, it will be easy to pay workers and discharge other responsibilities of government without having to wait for allocation from Abuja.
Noting that the harsh economy is taking its toll on government, Ikpeazu, however,   assured Abia workers of enhanced welfare, saying that they will not be denied their entitlements.
While assuring of his preparedness to find solution to the problems confronting workers in the state, he stressed the need for dialogue between government and labour as the way forward.
He however said that the labour should begin to  think of how best to assist  government improve its revenue to meet the needs of workers instead of pushing for payments all the time.
Earlier in his address, the state Chairman of the state council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) , Comrade Uchenna Obigwe, appealed to the Governor,  to clear the arrears of salaries of workers in the state to mitigate their sufferings in the face of the current economic realities.
He urged Ikpeazu  not to renege on his promise on assumption of duty, to pay workers their salaries regularly.
The NLC boss commended the Governor for the judicious implementation of the bail out fund but pleaded with him to clear the outstanding arrears.
He decried the nonpayment of the out-standings  despite assurances by government.
 His words: “It is unfortunate that the arrears of these salaries are still hanging when the salary life span has expired and the organized labour is canvassing for a new salary package for civil servants.
" The case of ABSUTH retires who have been retiring without pension is very  pathetic. It has accumulated for 19 months now. The  issue of non payment of gratuities has brought fear to prospective retirees."
He , therefore, proposed the setting aside of N141  monthly for the purpose of paying gratuities to retirees.