To solidify his commitment in prioritizing the welfare of retirees in the State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has announced plans to clear the substantial backlog of pension arrears amounting to N30 billion. The governor made this promise during the opening of the first-ever Plateau Government/NLC/TUC retreat in Jos on Monday, highlighting his dedication to addressing the longstanding issue affecting pensioners in the state.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized that the welfare of civil servants, especially retirees, is paramount, and his administration is resolute in resolving the challenges that have persisted over the years. He acknowledged that previous administrations did not accord adequate attention to the welfare of retirees, resulting in the accumulated pension arrears.
“Efforts are underway to address long-standing issues like gratuities, death benefits, and pension arrears, as the last payment of gratuity was done in 1985.
“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 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and 75 per cent hazards allowance.
“Similarly, we have approved the payment of 75 per cent Hazards Allowance to other health workers, that is, the Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU) and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives.
“Recognising the significance of the civil service, we have prioritised 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,” he said.
Efforts are underway to comprehensively address issues such as gratuities, death benefits, and pension arrears, with the last gratuity payment dated back to 1985. Governor Mutfwang assured workers that the same determination employed in clearing outstanding civil servant salary arrears would be applied to eliminate the pension arrears.
The governor highlighted various initiatives undertaken by his administration to prioritize workers’ welfare, including clearing the backlog of inherited salaries spanning over four months. Additionally, the approval of the 90% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and 75% hazards allowance were among the measures aimed at enhancing workers’ well-being.
Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau State Governor
Recognizing the significance of the civil service, the governor affirmed the commitment to uphold values and ethics, fostering an environment for all sectors to thrive. The guiding principles of fairness, justice, and equity in the treatment of every worker were emphasized by Governor Mutfwang.
The retreat, themed “Promoting Effective Social Dialogue for Industrial Relations Under the Context of the Time Is Now Mantra,” symbolizes the administration’s dedication to reshaping the narrative and ideologies hindering the efficiency of the civil service. Industrial harmony, deemed crucial for development, was underscored by the governor, emphasizing the civil service’s role as a cornerstone of continuous dialogue for progress.
Mr. Eugene Manji, Plateau NLC Chairman, commended the government for partnering with organized labour to launch the maiden retreat. The retreat provides an opportunity for government and labour leaders to collaborate, brainstorm, and improve governance in the state, aligning with international labor standards outlined by the International Labour Organization.
As the Plateau Government seeks to address labor-related challenges, Prof. Pam Dung Sha, Director of Research at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, advised the establishment of a team of labor advisers to provide comprehensive advice to the government. The director highlighted the importance of workers’ commitment for the overall growth of the state.
