By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has taken steps to restore industrial harmony at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA), Ilorin, following recent unrest that disrupted activities within the agency.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, expressed concern over the crisis, describing it as unfortunate given the Authority’s role in irrigation development, water resources management, food security and rural economic growth.
The Minister said the Ministry had earlier deployed a fact-finding team to investigate the issues behind the growing tensions within the Authority. According to him, the team engaged relevant stakeholders and submitted recommendations aimed at rebuilding trust, strengthening institutional stability and restoring peace.
He noted that the recommendations had been approved and implementation had commenced before subsequent developments affected the resolution process.
Utsev emphasized that while workers and labour unions have the right to seek redress on grievances, such actions must be pursued through lawful and established channels. He stressed that violence, intimidation and disruption of official duties are inconsistent with the ethics and values of the Nigerian Public Service.
He urged the management, labour leaders and staff of the Authority to embrace dialogue and constructive engagement in the interest of the organisation and national development, noting that sustainable development and food security cannot thrive in an atmosphere of conflict and instability.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emanso Umobong, also called on public servants to adhere to Public Service Rules and maintain discipline, accountability and professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Addressing stakeholders at the meeting, the Managing Director of LNRBDA, Mr. Olumoroti Olushola, dismissed allegations of administrative irregularities, suppression of accountability mechanisms and unauthorized deployment of heavy-duty equipment.
He maintained that all procurement activities were carried out in compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007, with the involvement of relevant Ministry officials.
Olushola further stated that several previously non-functional assets, including heavy-duty equipment, a livestock feed mill, a garri processing machine and a D6 bulldozer, had been rehabilitated and were currently operational.
Representatives of staff, labour unions and senior
officials from various departments of the Ministry participated in the deliberations and offered contributions toward resolving the dispute.
As part of measures to achieve lasting peace, a committee comprising representatives of the
Ministry, the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority and labour unions was inaugurated to facilitate further stakeholder engagement and oversee the implementation of agreed resolutions.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, due process and efficient service delivery across its agencies and parastatals, while pledging to strengthen oversight mechanisms to prevent future industrial disputes.
