From Jude Owuamanam Jos
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has assured workers in the state that his administration would not be overwhelmed by the security challenges plaguing the state,
rather he promised to forge ahead and surmount them no matter the hindrances.
He spoke during his 2025 Workers’ Day speech yesterday in Jos with the them, “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship.”
Addressing thousands of workers and labour stakeholders at the Polo Field, the governor acknowledged the enormous economic and security challenges facing the state but emphasised that his government had chosen to respond with purposeful leadership.
He noted that despite the hiccups, his administration had cleared the backlog of salary arrears, restored timely payments and restored the morale of the workforce.
He paid tribute to victims of recent terror attacks in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives.
He assured the affected families of the government’s support in providing relief and long-term rehabilitation.
“We will stand with you in rebuilding our broken walls,” he said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to security and community healing.
The governor also expressed sympathy with with traders affected by the April 29 fire outbreak at the Jos Main Market in Jos North and promised swift intervention and relief for them.
He told the workers of recent initiatives aimed at easing economic burdens, including a significant reduction in metro transport fares, the signing of a housing scheme MoU, and an upward review of pensions. These, he said, were designed to restore dignity and improve living conditions for workers and retirees alike.
He said the approval and implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage was a “bold and compassionate step” to demonstrate his administration’s seriousness about workers’ welfare.
He added that the relationship with labour unions had transformed from conflict to cooperation, following honest engagement from the onset of his tenure.
Plateau State chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Eugene Manji, appreciated Mutfwang for being a labour friendly governor and commended him for his tremendous development the state had witnessed since he assumed the mantle of leadership on May 29, 2023.