Contractors handling various projects in Bayelsa State are now asking the state government for variation to enable them continue with the execution of their jobs, due to the unending high cost of goods and services as a result of the dwindling value of the naira.
This is coming even as the state governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said that his administration was working towards cushioning the effects of the prevailing economic hardship in the country on workers in the state.
While addressing the chairman of the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Barnabas Simon, who led members on a nationwide protest to Government House, Yenagoa on Tuesday, Diri said after meeting with various stakeholders, a decision would be taken on hos to reduce the number of working hours for civil servants in the state.
But in the meantime, he has encouraged them to consider alternative sources of genuine income, including farming, to enable them survive under the present harsh economic situation, according to a statement by the governor’s chief press secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah.
He said: “I want to assure that as a worker-friendly government from day one, we will consider the issues you have raised, particularly the reduction of man-hours of workers. I am going to dialogue with the Head of Service and the Bayelsa State NLC chairman and look at appropriate steps to reduce the working hours of our workforce.
“The current economic situation has no boundaries. Workers are affected. The federal government and states are also affected. In all our projects, contractors are also asking for cost variation.”
The governor attributed the rising inflation in Nigeria to the monetary policy reforms of the federal government in allowing the floating of the country’s currency.
“The currency, as you know, is strictly for the federal government. State governments can only advice because issues concerning the currency are on the Exclusive List and the whole problem revolve around our currency.
“I do believe that the president would not want to punish citizens of this country. I am sure that the federal government is also weighing the options of some of their policies. I believe that our president is a listening leader and he is going to do something.”
On the request for palliative, Senator Diri advised the NLC to rather work with the government to seek ways of stabilising the naira.
According to him, “today our currency has lost one of its basic functions, which is store of value, because on a daily basis, the naira depreciates. I advise the NLC chairman to ask for the restoration of the value of the naira, which is the number one thing. The moment that is done there will be no protest.”
In his address, the state NLC Chairman said the removal of fuel subsidy was the death knell that brought about the prevailing economic woes.
He lamented the high cost of living due to the high inflation in the country as well as the soaring exchange rate of the dollar to the naira.
