- Safiu Kehinde
Ebonyi workers under the aegis of the Organised Labour Union have lamented over the soaring house rent in the state while calling for the government’s intervention.
The Labour Unions comprising of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) made their feelings known during the Question and Answer session of a lecture organised by the two Unions in collaboration with the office of the Head of Service (HoS) on Wednesday in Abakaliki.
According to reports, the lecture themed “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economics Hardship” was part of activities marking the 2025 May-Day celebration in Ebonyi.
The workers urged the federal and state governments to step up plans on provision of housing as a civil servant, Mr Mike Ajah, recounted the ordeal of securing accommodation in the state.
Ajah said the situation had become a worrisome issue due to the current inflation being experienced in the country.
He stressed the need to prioritise housing for workers and urged the three tiers of government to make effective laws guiding the amount payable for rentage.
“Look, a one bedroom apartment that was usually rented for between N120,000 and N200, 000 is now going for between N350, 000 and N500, 000 respectively.
“It’s very bad and these are old houses that were built in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Please, the government should help us because the inflation is biting harder.
“Many workers are into loan just to pay rent. This is one of our biggest challenges in Ebonyi,” he added.
Similarly, Prof Oguguo Agwu, the state NLC Chairman, said the increment in house rent had become a horrible situation in the state.
Agwu further expressed delight with the ongoing housing projects of Ebonyi government, hoping that the move would address the situation.
In his contribution, Mr Chidi Igboji, TUC Chairman, said there was need to invest in production and economic diversification by civil servants.
Igboji explained that diversification of economy would go a long way in addressing the inflation and maintained stable economy.
Lady Franca Egwu, one of the guest speakers at the lecture, who spoke on “Attitudinal Change in Work Place” urged workers to always uphold the civil service rules.
Also at the lecture, Prof Ikechukwu Igwenyi in his topic: “the Workplace and Unionism; Striking the Balance”, said it was necessary for the continued projection for the well-being of workers.