Nigeria, May 24, 2016 – Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the unification of the schemes of service, career progression and terminal salary grade Levels of officers in the Local Government Service, Parastatals and other government-owned agencies with that of their counterparts in the main stream Civil Service.
Prior to this development, workers in Radio Lagos, Eko FM and LTV suffered discrimination in terms of emoluments and allowance even when they put in more working hours than the special workers in the mainstream civil service.
Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola who made the revelation while rendering a report of activities of her Office within the last one year explained that the unification is aimed at redressing the disparity and feeling of inequality between Officers in the mainstream Civil Service and their counterparts in the local government service, parastatal organisations and other government-owned agencies.
She noted that the disparity had been observed to be a major disincentive to commitment, industry and hard work hence the governor approved the unification with effect from this year in the interest of equity and uniformity.
Ademola opined that since the review of the policy on conversion, the career progression of Officers in the Public Service has been enhanced particularly for Officers on Grade Level 12 and above who hitherto are usually stepped down by one grade level upon conversion from a sub-cadre to officer cadre.
Said she, “further to enhancing the career progression of Officers in the Public Service and in a bid to address issues whereby Officers on Grade Level 12 and above are usually stepped down by one grade level upon conversion from a sub-cadre to officer cadre, His Excellency, the Governor, has approved the review of the policy on conversion to henceforth be lateral conversion in the interest of equity and harmonisation.”
The Head of Service added that the Staff Housing Loan facility available to public servants has since been increased from N50m to N100m in order to ensure that many more members of Staff have access to the facility adding that a total sum of N147.6m has been disbursed to 667 public servants within the last one year.
She pointed out that the current Staff Performance Evaluation policy especially as it relates to staff promotions would be reviewed in order to ensure objectivity and enthronement of merit inclusive of the institutionalization of an appropriate reward system for identified high fliers.
According to her, public servants in the state have since started enjoying the en-bloc payment of their Leave Allowances following the approval of the State Governor, adding that 17 new utility vehicles would also be provided for all 17 workers’ unions constituting the Lagos State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC).
She added that the State Government acknowledges and appreciates the roles of Labour Unions in the State not only as a rallying point for workers but also as creators of wealth and partners in the strive for social harmony and economic progress.
