From Tongnaan Bawa Jos
Governor Caleb Mutfwang says his administration is implementing wide-ranging reforms aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of civil servants in Plateau State amid growing concerns over insecurity and economic hardship.
The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Chundung Piyo, stated this during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Polo Field, Jos.
He said the government had restored timely promotions in the civil service, introduced computer-based promotion examinations to ensure transparency and merit, and commenced the installation of biometric attendance systems across ministries, departments and agencies.
Governor Mutfwang added that the administration was also digitizing personnel records, clearing gratuity backlogs owed retirees and absorbing ad-hoc staff into the mainstream workforce where possible.
According to him, ongoing construction of an ultra-modern Ministry of Justice complex and the planned renovation of the J.D. Gomwalk Secretariat are part of efforts to provide a more conducive working environment for workers.
Speaking on the theme of the 2026 May Day, “Insecurity and Poverty: The Bane on Decent Work,” the governor said insecurity and economic hardship remain major threats to productivity, decent living and sustainable development.
He disclosed that the state government was intensifying collaboration with security agencies, the Plateau Peace Building Agency, religious leaders and community stakeholders to address insecurity, while surveillance drones were being deployed to strengthen intelligence gathering and emergency response.
The governor also said economic intervention programmes through the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency, PLASMIDA, and other agencies were being expanded to reduce poverty and create jobs.
In his remarks, the Plateau State Head of Service, Stephen Pam Gadong, commended the administration for restoring promotions and addressing retirees’ welfare, noting that the reforms had boosted morale across the civil service.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress in Plateau State said insecurity, inflation and the rising cost of living continue to put pressure on workers despite the implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage in the state.
The labour unions in an address through the state NLC Chairman, Comrade Eugene Manji called for another wage review to reflect current economic realities and urged government to address lingering issues including pension concerns, salary structures, arbitrary redeployments and the B.Sc/HND dichotomy in the civil service.
The celebration featured colourful match-pasts, solidarity songs and renewed calls for improved workers’ welfare and stronger security across Plateau State.