A house divided against itself can’t stand – Nigerian Govt tells civil servants

The Federal Government, through the office of the Head of Service of the Federation, has told workers in the country that a house divided against itself will not stand.

It urged union members to always explore the option of dialogue and collective bargaining in addressing workers welfare issues.

The Permanent Secretary, Common Service Office (CSO), in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Raymond Omenka Omachi, represented by his Special Assistant (Technical), Oda Edwin Onda, made the appeal this in Abuja on Tuesday during a seminar for the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria ASCSN.

He noted that Nigerian workers are presently being faced with challenges as a result of spiral inflation globally.

He, however, applauded the President Bola Tinubu government for its efforts to alleviate the suffering of workers and improve the standard of living of the people through a National Living Wage for Nigerian Workers.

In a presentation at the event, National President, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Comrade Tommy Etim Okon, who is also the 1st National Vice President Trade Union Congress, TUC, explored workers rights and privileges with a view to ensuring the protection of legal entitlements and benefits that accrue to all categories of employees in the world of work for smooth employer/employee relationship and enhanced productivity.

According to him, “for a system to work there must be that symbiotic relationship between the management and the union”.

Okon stated that workers’ rights as recognised by the International Labour Organization (ILO) significantly impact the quality of life of employees, and these rights and privileges ensure fair wages, a safe workplace environment and protection against discrimination.

“Guaranteed workers rights and privileges is crucial in protecting employees from exploitation, in order to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the workforce,” he opined.

He further stated that to reposition the Federal Civil Service to become Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible and Citizen-centered (EPIC), motivation and welfare of Federal Civil Servants especially in the areas of housing, training, health insurance, group life assurance, pensions, gratuity, rewards and peaceful resolution of industrial disputes is crucial to effectively support government in achieving its developmental agenda.