By Idu Jude
As the Federal Government of Nigeria prepares for the resumption of railway transportation across the country after 32 years neglect, National Chairman Nigeria Railway workers Union, and affiliate of Nigerian Union of Journalists, Comrade Innocent Lukas Ajiji, has called on the National Assembly and other relevant authorities to look into the plight of railway workers who will be attending to the masses to improve their welfare.
Comrade Ajiji made the call Monday while in company of the Minister of Transportation on routine inspection not on going project at Lagos/Ibadan rail line.
According to the National Chairman, the call has become necessary as the railway transportation has come to stay in Nigeria as an adopted official means of transportation.
He said that for the industry to function well as a reveñue generating agency, the counter supposed to make legislation in readiness for a full take off of the industry.
He noted that based on what is being generated presently from the skeletal services that workers are expected to have their welfare package reviewed upward when the full scale operation begins.
“We will generate more money when this project is commissioned looking at what we are generating now, from Abuja Kaduna and Itakpe warri axis. I must tell you that the number one thing that will improve the life of a worker is motivation and as the country moves to transform the industry, the welfare of the railway workers should be looked into”.
On his planed action, Comrade Innocent said “my plan is to first of all approach and discuss with the Minister of transportation Rt. Honourable Chibuike Amaechi and also move to Abuja to meet with the National Assembly committee on transportation to see how our condition will be improved. ” Looking at how the railway workers salary is structured, it is not anything good at all so approaching the National Assembly is the first step.
He said that the reason why his members are taking part in the Monday inspection is to see for themselves having heard so much about the ongoing railway project. I had always send a representative but I decided to be here today to take part in the inspection. Unfortunately I have not had the opportunity of meeting with those members of parliament who came for inspection but I think we have much to do to get this job done”
Comrade Innocent Ajiji proposes that as a reveñue generating agency, that salaries and welfare of the workers should equal that of NNPC and Central Bank workers owing to the capacity of works they do. ” Believe you me that N30,000 naira minimum wage means nothing after due deduction and staff are left without nothing. So we are working to ensure that something reasonable is approved to them so that such will make the job attractive to the younger once. But as it stands, no one can advice his or her kid to work with the railway taking a cue from the life of those who retired from he industry”
