The Delta State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Obatarhe Ogberetitinor, has lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as a series of labour-friendly policies that have significantly improved the welfare of local government workers and pensioners across the state.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting of the union in Asaba, Ogberetitinor said the council devoted considerable attention to issues affecting workers’ welfare, with particular emphasis on pensions, gratuities and salary payments.
He said the SEC unanimously commended Governor Oborevwori for approving the release of funds that enabled the clearance of pension arrears and gratuities owed to retired local government workers, describing the development as one of the administration’s greatest achievements in the local government system.
According to him, before Governor Oborevwori assumed office about three years ago, retired local government workers waited for as long as six years before receiving their gratuities and pensions.
“Today, that ugly narrative has changed completely. Arrears of pensions for retired local government workers have been cleared up to the end of January 2026. This means that every eligible retiree who exited service on or before January 2026 has received his or her pension and gratuity. Anyone yet to receive payment is only required to complete and forward the necessary documentation to the appropriate local government pension office,” he said.
Ogberetitinor described the feat as a landmark achievement that had restored hope and financial stability to retired local government workers, noting that the governor had demonstrated genuine concern for the welfare of both serving and retired employees.
He also praised the governor for approving, in principle, the refund of over N5 billion in outstanding pension contributions that were suspended years ago when local governments faced severe financial challenges due to poor allocations.
He explained that the deductions were temporarily halted at the time to enable councils meet salary obligations, but expressed delight that the Oborevwori administration had approved their gradual remittance to the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), where they would continue to accrue value for workers still in active service.
The NULGE chairman further highlighted the prompt payment of salaries as another labour-friendly policy that has endeared the governor to workers.
“Today, local government workers receive their salaries as and when due, and in many instances even before the end of the month. That was unheard of in the past. It reflects the governor’s commitment to the welfare of workers,” he stated.
He equally applauded Governor Oborevwori for approving the payment of the 13th-month salary to workers, describing the gesture as unprecedented in the state’s history and another demonstration of his administration’s commitment to rewarding workers for their dedication and service.
Ogberetitinor said the SEC expressed profound appreciation to the governor for consistently placing workers’ welfare at the centre of his administration’s MORE Agenda, stressing that the various interventions had transformed the lives of local government employees and pensioners.
He added that the union would continue to support policies that promote workers’ welfare while appreciating the governor for keeping faith with promises made to the workforce.
“The local government workers are appreciative of what His Excellency is doing for us. His labour-friendly policies are visible for everyone to see, from prompt salary payments to the clearance of pension arrears and gratuities, as well as the approval for the remittance of outstanding pension contributions. These achievements have positively changed the lives of our members and retirees across Delta State,” Ogberetitinor said.
