Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has announced that over 12,500 workers have benefited from car and motorcycle loan schemes valued at N1.6 billion, as part of his administration’s continued commitment to workers’ welfare.
Speaking at the 2025 Workers’ Day Celebration held at the Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun said the loan programme was part of deliberate efforts to improve the living conditions of state workers.
“As a worker-friendly administration, we have made deliberate efforts to deepen our partnership with labour to improve working conditions and enhance the welfare of our workers across the state,” the governor stated.
He also disclosed that since the beginning of his administration in 2019, a total of N179.7 billion has been disbursed for the payment of pensions and gratuities to retirees across the state and local governments.
He revealed that the backlog of pension arrears from 2012 to 2017 has been cleared, and pensions are now paid alongside workers’ salaries.
“We have cleared the pension backlog, and we now pay pensions with salaries. We have paid for the period from 2012 to 2017.”
“Also, the backlog of National Housing Scheme remittances has been cleared to ease workers’ access to mortgage loans.” he said.
Governor Abiodun revealed that his government spent N8 billion between July 2023 and March 2024 on palliatives for workers and pensioners to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal.
In addition, he announced the acquisition of 350 hectares of land at Ijemo/Onisẹla under a Sites and Services Scheme aimed at helping workers become property owners through mortgages. The estate, he added, will be named the Prince Dapo Abiodun Bureaucrats Estate.
“This scheme is a government initiative providing infrastructure such as roads, water, and electricity, which enables workers to build homes at a reduced cost,” the governor explained.
Governor Abiodun used the opportunity to commend President Bola Tinubu for his reforms and efforts at repositioning Nigeria’s economy.
“Thanks to these reforms, inflation and commodity prices are beginning to drop while the economy shows signs of recovery,” he said.
The governor praised the Ogun workforce for their support, noting that their cooperation has enabled the government to create a business-friendly environment that attracts both local and foreign investors.
“With your support, we have fully deployed available resources, creating a conducive environment that has boosted our economy and positioned us as a beacon of enterprise and innovation,” he added.
He urged civil servants to continue discharging their duties diligently, assuring them that the state government was not unmindful of economic challenges and is working to address them.
Describing the workforce as the driving force of socio-economic development, he said, “I commend you for your contributions to industrial harmony and development in our state.”
In his address, Mr. Andy Egbor, the Federal Controller of Labour in Ogun State, commended workers for their role in national progress and described Ogun’s approach to workers’ welfare as a model worth emulating.
He called for more collaboration between the state and federal governments for better worker benefits.
Mr. Hameed Benco, State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), highlighted the impact of economic challenges on workers’ welfare and job security.
He urged the government to introduce low-cost housing, regulate market prices, and offer interest-free loans to mitigate hardship.
On his part, Comrade Akeem Lasisi, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), described the Workers’ Day celebration as a “struggle against oppression,” citing the economic hardship facing workers.
He also called for decisive action against insecurity, including banditry, Boko Haram, and herdsmen attacks.
While appreciating the Abiodun administration for various interventions — including the payment of deductions, improved car refurbishment loans, Christmas bonuses, affordable food sales, and the 2023 and 2024 promotion exercises — Lasisi commended the governor for prompt pension payments to retirees.
