The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has intensified efforts to restore peace and normal operations at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA), Ilorin, following recent industrial unrest within the agency.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, described the disruption of activities at the Authority as unfortunate, noting that River Basin Development Authorities play a critical role in irrigation development, water resources management, food security and rural economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Professor Utsev stressed that while workers and labour unions have the right to seek redress on grievances, such actions must be pursued through lawful and established administrative channels.
He warned that violence, intimidation and disruption of official duties have no place in the Nigerian Public Service.
The Minister disclosed that the Ministry had earlier deployed a fact-finding team to investigate the issues behind the growing tensions at the Authority.
According to him, the committee’s report contained recommendations aimed at rebuilding trust, strengthening institutional stability and promoting industrial harmony.
He explained that the recommendations had already been approved by the Ministry and implementation had commenced before fresh developments complicated the resolution process.
Professor Utsev called on management, labour leaders and staff members to embrace dialogue and constructive engagement in the overall interest of the Authority and national development.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emanso Umobong, urged workers to uphold the Public Service Rules and maintain discipline, accountability and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
The Managing Director of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Mr. Olumoroti Olushola, dismissed allegations of administrative misconduct and irregular procurement processes against the management, insisting that all contracts were executed in line with the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
Mr. Olushola further stated that several previously abandoned assets, including heavy-duty equipment, a livestock feed mill, a garri processing machine and a D6 bulldozer, had been rehabilitated and returned to operation.
As part of efforts to achieve lasting peace, a joint committee comprising representatives of the Ministry, the Authority and labour unions was inaugurated to facilitate dialogue and oversee the implementation of agreed resolutions.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, due process and effective service delivery across its agencies, pledging continued measures to strengthen oversight and prevent future industrial disputes.
