From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
The Plateau State Head of the Civil Service Barr. Rauta Dakok, said that the state government spends N300 million monthly to settle arrears of pensions, gratuities, and death benefits from 1986 to date.
Dakok disclosed this on Tuesday during the 2024 maiden Plateau State Ministerial Press Briefing, at the Joseph Gomwalk State Secretariat, Jos, organized by the Ministry of Information and Communication.
Our correspondent recalled that Governor Caleb Mutfwang had recently given his approval for the disbursement of gratuities, death benefits, and pension arrears amounting to approximately N20 billion, with effect from 1986 to date.
The Head of the Civil Service added that Governor Mutfwang’s administration is dedicated to the welfare of workers and insists that every worker deserves their rightful wages.
She explained that already 5,048 persons have benefited after the verification exercise for the categories of people from 1986 to date.
The head of service also mentioned that Governor Mutfwang’s administration, under her office, has also recommended 685 civil servants for various trainings in the 2023/2024 academic session.
Barr. Dakok, said challenges facing the state civil service is shortage of man power due to retirement in various ministries.
Earlier the State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms, said the aim of the ministerial briefing was for MDAs to provide insights into what the administration has done in its first year.
He assured citizens of the state that the government will work assiduously with the media to pursue its agenda for growth and development, in line with its policy thrust.
“This gesture highlights his readiness to provide the tonic for the reactivation of the machinery of government in all of its departments.” He said.
On on the part of the ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Caroline Panglang Dafur, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alex Anlong, said they are saddled with the responsibility of protecting the rights of women, girls and boys from violent crimes.
He said the Ministry in collaboration with NURTW rescued some girls from bring trafficking to other parts of the country for the purpose of hustling.
Parents in all the 17 local government areas have been sensitized on the dangers of giving out their children to strangers for so called economic reasons.