The Head of Service of Delta State, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, has reassured public and civil servants of the state government’s unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare, as she received the newly elected leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Delta State Council, on a courtesy visit in Asaba.
Welcoming the union leaders, Dr. Oseji disclosed that the state government has constituted a Committee on Trade Unions, Professional Associations and Other Personnel Matters to fast-track the implementation of issues affecting the welfare and conditions of service of public and civil servants.
According to her, the committee—chaired by the Head of Service—meets monthly to ensure that labour-related matters are addressed promptly, objectively and without bias, while also streamlining decision-making processes within the civil service.
She appealed to union members to exercise patience as engagements and reforms progress, stressing that her office remains committed to transparent dialogue and constructive engagement with organised labour.
Dr. Oseji also advised the TUC leadership to discourage actions capable of disrupting the system, noting that sustained industrial harmony is critical to effective service delivery. She urged union leaders to actively follow up official correspondence on their various demands to ensure timely consideration and resolution.
Highlighting the achievements of the administration of Governor Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, the Head of Service outlined several interventions aimed at cushioning the effects of the current economic challenges on workers.
These include the payment of promotion arrears, implementation of the new minimum wage, introduction of a palliative roster, and the civil service agricultural programme, all designed to enhance workers’ welfare and productivity.
She further listed institutional reforms and revived initiatives within the Office of the Head of Service, such as the return of the Bureaucrat Publication, Civil Service Week celebrations, Breakfast Dialogue sessions, and courtesy visits by retiring Permanent Secretaries. Other measures include the review of the civil service dress code, reintroduction of time book records to track absenteeism, and closer monitoring of punctuality across ministries, departments and agencies.
Dr. Oseji also unveiled a range of new projects initiated by her office, including digitalisation of processes, capacity-building programmes in agriculture, autism awareness, etiquette, grant writing, scholarships and estate management, as well as an upcoming financial literacy seminar. She explained that the initiatives are geared towards building a modern, skilled and welfare-driven public service.
In his response, TUC Chairman, Comrade Wilson Asekutu, commended the Head of Service for what he described as “giant strides” in repositioning the Delta State public service through reforms, inclusiveness and sustained engagement with labour.
He pledged the union’s commitment to dialogue, cooperation and partnership with the state government in the interest of industrial peace and effective governance. In recognition of her leadership and contributions to workers’ welfare, the TUC leadership presented an award to Dr. Oseji.
The visit underscored a renewed spirit of collaboration between the Delta State Government and organised labour, with both sides expressing optimism that sustained dialogue will continue to drive reforms and improve the wellbeing of workers across the state.