Akahi News gathered that the chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Chief Goodluck Ofobruku, and his counterpart from the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Wilson Asekutu, have jointly raised serious concerns over the state government’s failure to appoint substantive permanent secretaries. The duo spoke at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held in Asaba, under the theme: “Insecurity and Poverty Are the Bane of Decent Work.”

The two labour leaders did not hold back. They described the continued non-appointment of substantive permanent secretaries as a matter of deep concern — not only for qualified officers who have served diligently but for the entire civil service structure. Their message was clear: the civil service cannot thrive on uncertainty.

“Appointing officers merely to function as permanent secretaries is alien to the traditions and standards of the civil service,” they said. “It creates uncertainty, weakens institutional memory, and undermines the merit-based progression that keeps the service strong.”

Akahi News learnt that several ministries in Delta State are currently being overseen by officers acting as permanent secretaries without substantive confirmation. This practice, the union leaders warned, sets a dangerous precedent.

‘A Civil Service Thrives When Excellence Is Rewarded’

The NLC and TUC chairmen expressed worries about what they called “lowering the bar as a standard.” They argued that a civil service thrives when excellence is rewarded, when career progression is predictable, and when leadership positions are filled transparently and in accordance with established rules.

When officers are left in acting capacities for prolonged periods, they explained, decision-making becomes tentative. Officers who should be taking bold steps instead look over their shoulders. And the system gradually decays from within.

It is not a child’s play to run a state civil service without substantive permanent secretaries. These are the accounting officers of ministries. They sign vouchers. They implement policies. They bear legal responsibilities. Leaving them in “acting” limbo for too long is a recipe for administrative paralysis.

Akahi News had earlier reported that labour unions across Nigeria have been increasingly vocal about governance gaps at state levels. Delta has now joined that growing chorus.

Insecurity And Poverty: The Twin Enemies Of Decent Work

The union leaders also turned their attention to the broader national crises of insecurity and poverty. They noted that no economy can thrive where insecurity persists — farmers cannot cultivate, traders cannot travel, teachers cannot teach, businesses cannot expand, and young people cannot dream freely.

“Insecurity has robbed communities of peace, displaced families, and disrupted livelihoods. It has increased the cost of doing business and discouraged investment. Most painfully, it has placed workers — the backbone of national development — in harm’s way,” they said.

Their words carried the weight of lived experience. Workers in parts of Delta have faced kidnapping threats, road attacks, and community violence. The unions want the government to understand that security is not a privilege. It is the foundation of decent work.

“A nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its workers cannot guarantee the prosperity of its economy,” they declared.

On poverty, the labour leaders were equally blunt. “Poverty is more than a lack of income; it is a barrier to opportunity. It weakens the workforce, reduces productivity, and fuels social tension.”

They painted a grim picture: workers earning wages that cannot meet basic needs, families choosing between food and healthcare, young graduates roaming the streets without jobs. “When this happens, poverty becomes a national emergency,” they said.

They defined decent work not merely as employment, but as employment with dignity — fair wages, safe conditions, social protection, and the chance to build a meaningful life. “A society where workers remain trapped in poverty cannot claim to be progressing.”

Solutions: Intelligence, Jobs, Skills, Fair Wages, And Dialogue

The union leaders, however, did not leave the audience without a roadmap. They proposed a collective agenda to overcome insecurity and poverty. First, strengthen national security through intelligence-driven strategies and community collaboration. Second, create sustainable jobs that offer long-term stability. Third, invest in skills development, especially for young people. Fourth, ensure fair wages and enforce labour standards so that work truly lifts people out of poverty.

They also called for support for small and medium enterprises — the largest employers of labour — as well as expanded social protection systems to shield workers from economic shocks. Finally, they urged dialogue between government, labour, and the private sector. “Progress requires partnership,” they stressed.

Retirees Dying In Numbers: The Contributory Pension Crisis

On the plight of retirees under the contributory pension scheme, the labour leaders were emotional. They noted the growing hardship faced by workers after retirement, adding that many are dying in large numbers because their monthly pensions cannot meet basic needs — food, medication, shelter, and dignity.

They called on the Delta State Government to take deliberate and compassionate steps to ameliorate the suffering of retirees. “A society that honours its retirees strengthens the morale of its active workforce,” they said.

Workers, they added, deserve not only decent jobs but decent living conditions. They urged the state government to make housing a priority, ensuring that those who serve the state can also afford to live in dignity within it.

On transportation, they called for government-supported mass transit systems. “Affordable, reliable transportation reduces the financial burden on workers, improves punctuality and productivity, and enhances overall quality of life. A modern workforce deserves modern mobility.”

Their final charge was simple yet profound: “Decent work is not a luxury. It is a right. And it is achievable when we place human dignity at the centre of development.”

Representing the State Governor at the event, the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, assured that the state government remained committed to strengthening the civil service and improving workers’ welfare. But the labour leaders have made it clear: commitment must be followed by action. Substantive permanent secretaries. Better pay. Affordable housing. Mass transit. And security — real, tangible security.

Here is the philosophical reflection that lingers: A worker who fears for their life on the way to the office cannot give their best. A retiree who cannot afford medication has not been honoured for their service. A civil service run on acting appointments is a ship sailing without a captain. Delta State can do better. The labour unions have said their piece. Now the ball is in the government’s court.

Key Summary Box: What You Need To Know

• The Event: 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Asaba, themed “Insecurity and Poverty Are the Bane of Decent Work.”

• The Speakers: NLC Delta chairman Chief Goodluck Ofobruku and TUC Delta chairman Comrade Wilson Asekutu, delivering a joint speech.

• On Permanent Secretaries: The unions expressed deep concern over the non-appointment of substantive permanent secretaries in Delta State. They said appointing officers merely to function as permanent secretaries is alien to civil service tradition, creates uncertainty, weakens institutional memory, and undermines merit-based progression.

• On Insecurity: No economy thrives where insecurity persists. Farmers cannot farm, traders cannot travel, businesses cannot expand. Security is the foundation of decent work.

• On Poverty: Poverty weakens the workforce, reduces productivity, and fuels social tension. When workers earn wages that cannot meet basic needs, poverty becomes a national emergency.

• On Decent Work: Defined as employment with dignity — fair wages, safe conditions, social protection, and the chance to build a meaningful life.

• Proposed Solutions: Intelligence-driven security, sustainable job creation, skills development for youth, fair wages, SME support, social protection systems, and tripartite dialogue between government, labour, and private sector.

• On Retirees: Many retirees under the contributory pension scheme are dying in large numbers because monthly pensions cannot meet basic needs for food, medication, shelter, and dignity. The unions called for compassionate state action.

• On Housing and Transport: Workers deserve decent living conditions and affordable, reliable mass transit to reduce financial burden and improve productivity.

• Government Response: Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, said the state remains committed to strengthening the civil service and improving workers’ welfare.

• The Bottom Line: Decent work is not a luxury. It is a right. Labour has spoken. Delta State must now act.

— Akahi News will continue to monitor labour issues in Delta State and across Nigeria. For updates on workers’ welfare, civil service reforms, and union activities, stay tuned to Akahi News.