Chibuzor Emejor
Professor Joseph Utsev, the Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, has reiterated his dedication to bringing back peace, stability, and unity within the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA) located in Ilorin, Kwara State, after recent labor disturbances occurred inside the organization.
During a stakeholder gathering held to discuss matters in Abuja, Utsev voiced worry about the interruption of activities at the Authority, calling the incident unfortunate considering the vital function of River Basin Development Authorities in promoting irrigation expansion, managing water resources, ensuring food security, and fostering rural economic progress under the framework of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He highlighted that although employees and trade unions possess valid rights to address their complaints, these rights should be pursued via legal and recognized official procedures.
He emphasized that actions involving violence, threats, and hindrance of official responsibilities contradict the principles and moral standards of the Nigerian Civil Service.
The official revealed that the ministry had previously established and sent an investigation group to the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority after signs of increasing unrest inside the organization were reported.
The group was tasked with consulting key stakeholders, conducting an impartial examination of the problems, and proposing actions to restore harmony and enhance institutional resilience.
As stated by the Minister, the findings from the investigation team included detailed suggestions intended to restore confidence, foster workplace unity, and strengthen organizational solidarity inside the Authority.
He mentioned that the suggestions were properly reviewed and endorsed by the ministry, and that execution had begun prior to later events complicating the settlement procedure.
He urged the management, leaders of the labor unions, and employees of the Authority to adopt discussion, shared comprehension, and positive interaction for the benefit of the organization and the country as a whole.
He emphasized once again that achieving food security and sustainable development is impossible in an environment marked by bitterness, confrontation, and unrest.
During her speech, Dr. Emanso Umobong, the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, called on government employees to follow the guidelines set for public service and stay dedicated to values such as orderliness, responsibility, and expertise in carrying out their roles.
The head of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Mr. Olumoroti Olushola, stated that claims regarding administrative misconduct, obstruction of accountability systems, and unauthorized use of large machinery—among other accusations directed at the leadership—are baseless.
He stated that every purchasing process was carried out following the guidelines set forth in the Public Procurement Act of 2007, involving representatives from the appropriate ministry.
He also updated investors that various inactive resources, such as large machinery, an animal feed mill, a gari production unit, and a D6 excavator, have undergone restoration and are now functioning properly.
A declaration made on Wednesday by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, stated this.
Members of the river basin team also provided valuable comments during the discussion.
In an effort to promote long-term peace and enhance institutional collaboration, a committee made up of delegates from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, and union members was established to continue engaging with interested parties and support the execution of approved decisions.
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation stated that it continues to be dedicated to promoting equity, proper procedures, and efficient service provision within all its departments and affiliated entities.
The government pledged to keep implementing essential actions to foster workplace cooperation and enhance monitoring systems to avoid such incidents from happening again.
End.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
