Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, security, and public service reforms, as organized labour raised concerns over economic hardship, insecurity and unresolved welfare issues during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration.
Speaking at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration which was held on Friday at Polo Field in Jos, the Governor described workers as the backbone of governance and economic growth, while acknowledging insecurity and poverty as major threats to productivity.
Represented by the State Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, the Governor said his government is strengthening collaboration with security agencies and deploying modern tools such as surveillance drones to curb violence, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Mutfwang highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle poverty through targeted empowerment programmes driven by agencies like the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency, aimed at boosting economic activity and job creation.
On civil service reforms, the Governor noted significant progress, including the restoration of timely promotions, introduction of Computer-Based Test for promotion exams, and payment of outstanding gratuities to retirees. He also cited the absorption of ad-hoc staff in tertiary institutions, digitization of personnel records, and installation of biometric attendance systems to improve transparency and efficiency.
The Head of Civil Service, Stephen Gadong, commended the administration’s reforms, stating they have boosted morale and strengthened accountability within the workforce. He also praised improved labour relations, noting that government’s open-door policy has fostered industrial harmony.
However, organized labour, led by Eugene Manji of the Nigeria Labour Congress, painted a vivid picture of workers’ realities, describing insecurity and poverty as “structural barriers” to decent work.
Reading a joint speech of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and that of Trade Union Congress TUC, the unions questioned the sustainability of workers’ livelihoods amid rising costs and safety concerns, stressing that wages are no longer sufficient to meet basic needs.
They also listed unresolved issues, including disagreements over pension implementation, local government salary structures, alleged arbitrary staff redeployments, and non-remittance of housing fund deductions.
Labour further called for urgent government action to address economic hardship, restore full benefits for health workers, and improve conditions for retirees struggling to access their entitlements.
Despite the concerns, both government and labour leaders emphasized the need for continued dialogue and collaboration to build a more secure, productive, and worker-friendly Plateau State.
The theme for this year’s Workers’ Day celebration is “Insecurity, Poverty – Bane of Decent Work.” The event brought together government officials and members of organized labour to commemorate the day. While some Unions appeared colourfully dressed, matching in their uniforms, wearing smiles, others matched with downcast faces and hands on their heads, communicating a message to the government through their mood and display.
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