In his keynote address, the Head of Service emphasised the direct link between the welfare of public servants and the effectiveness of government institutions. He assured labour leaders that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains dedicated to improving staff welfare within available resources.
According to him, a resilient Public Service must be built on collaboration, accountability, and a shared sense of purpose, urging participants to focus on practical and sustainable outcomes during deliberations.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, described the relationship between government and trade unions as a partnership rather than a battleground. He said the Ministry is responding to current economic realities through sustained dialogue and intensified capacity building initiatives.
Ayantayo added that the vision of a “Greater Lagos” depends largely on the commitment and productivity of workers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments and Training, Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun, who also chairs the Council, expressed satisfaction over the reconvening of the meeting after administrative challenges stalled last year’s session.
She affirmed that the resolutions reached at the meeting would strengthen government-labour relations and support the effective implementation of the State’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.
On his part, Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Michael Domingo, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for promoting industrial harmony in the state. He noted that the meeting provides a platform to address critical workforce challenges, with workers’ welfare remaining a top priority.
Government representatives also praised union leaders for embracing dialogue and diplomacy, a stance they said has continued to position Lagos as a model for industrial peace in Nigeria.
The Joint Negotiating Council meeting remains a key platform for addressing workforce-related issues in Lagos State, ensuring that the concerns of public servants are addressed while maintaining fiscal discipline.
The event was attended by members of the Body of Permanent Secretaries and leaders of various trade unions.