By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives has concluded a legislative framework aimed at addressing age falsification, stagnation and compulsory retirement of directors after eight years in office, as well as create 30 days widowhood leave in the public service.
The House Committee on Public Service Matters disclosed this at the weekend during a public hearing to harvest expert opinions and public views on the issues.
Declaring the hearing open, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas said it was meant to provide a platform for open dialogue on the legislative proposals that cut across welfare, institutional efficiency and public service accountability.
He said one of the motions under consideration seeks to abrogate the policy of compulsory retirement for directors who had served eight years in that capacity, regardless of age or remaining years of service.
In his remarks, President of Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero commended the House for the initiative to move the civil service forward.
He, however, said the widowhood leave should be replaced with bereavement leave so that their male counterpart could also benefit, insisting that it should come with special pay of 100 percent of monthly salary.
“Nigerian workers are already suffering systemic insensitivity to their emotional and psychological well-being as a result of the non-existence of a statute of this nature. This law will allow workers sufficient time to heal and return to work healthier and more productive.
“Several countries have recognised the profound emotional and logistical challenges faced by individuals following the death of a spouse, by instituting bereavement or family responsibility leave policies. Notable examples include; South Africa and France,” Ajaero said.
