Under My Watch, Workers’ Welfare Remains Paramount, Says Mutfwang

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has reassured the state that the welfare of civil servants in the state remains a top priority for his government, noting that: “In recognising the significance of the civil service, we have prioritized its well-being by fulfilling promises such as clearing outstanding salaries, rejuvenating the workforce through training, and ensuring the regular release of overheads for enhanced productivity.”

The governor gave the reassurance at the state government/Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) retreat to promoting effective social dialogue for industrial relations held in Bukuru, Jos.

Mutfwang, who noted that he was delighted to be part of the event aimed at fostering a partnership between his administration and the labour unions to enhance the lives and productivity of public and civil servants, observed that dialogue and negotiations remain key to attending to workers’ needs.

He said: “Since the inception of this administration, our commitment has been unwavering in improving the Plateau State workforce. This retreat exemplifies our dedication to reshaping the narrative and ideologies hindering the efficiency of the civil service.

“We shall continue to uphold the values and ethics of the civil service as a deliberate step towards fostering an environment for all sectors to thrive. Our guiding principles include fairness, justice, and equity in our treatment of every worker.

“The welfare of civil servants is paramount, hence, we have cleared the backlog of inherited salaries which spanned over four months and we are up-to-date with the payment of workers’ salaries. Also, we have approved the payment of the 90 percent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and 75 percent hazard allowance.”

He said his government has also approved the payment of 75 percent Hazard Allowance to other health workers; the Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU) and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, adding that he was making efforts to address longstanding issues like gratuities, death benefits, and pension arrears as the last payment of gratuity was done in 1985.

While inviting civil servants to engage in governance in order to foster a partnership that will transform the state positively, Mutfwang implored them to come up with practicable recommendations that would strengthen the relations between the government and Labour.

He said: “Workers are the engine of my administration, and I will liaise with the Head of Civil Service for continuous training. Plateau State success hinges on our unity, understanding, and collective efforts.

“While committed to providing the best for workers, my administration would not tolerate any act of misconduct. I urge all to give their best in their duties. I now have the honour to declare open the first joint retreat for the benefit of workers, government, and Plateau State.”

Meanwhile, the state Head of Civil Service, Rauta Dakok, while thanking the unions for understanding and cooperation with the government in strengthening the civil service for greater productivity, said the government admires the workers’ tenacity, fortitude, and determination which has characterised their struggle.