by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has sought the understanding and cooperation of Civil Servants in the state, “especially at these difficult times.”
According to him, “These challenges demand patience, unity, and an unbreakable will to forge ahead together. We are all aware that these are equally difficult economic times, but let me say that, thus far, you have done well.”
He was speaking on Thursday, while addressing workers at the Polo Field, Jos, when he noted that, “The rising cost of living and shrinking value of earnings weigh heavily on every worker.
“But, as your governor, I want you to know: we feel your pain, we hear your voices and, most importantly, we are taking urgent action. In response to these hardships, we have introduced measures aimed at cushioning the effects of economic pressure,” he stated.
The governor further stated that “Among those significant reductions, one is metro transport fares by Plateau Express Services – to ease daily commuting.
Others, he said, was “The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for a Workers’ Housing Scheme, because every worker deserves a roof over their head, and the upward review of pensions to restore dignity to our retirees.
“When we assumed office, the condition of our civil service was nothing short of distressing; salaries were not only delayed, they had accumulated into a burdensome backlog.
“Workers’ morale had sunk to an all-time low; promotions were long overdue, pensions and gratuities had been neglected, and the public service was grappling with inefficiency and frustration.
“But, we refused to be overwhelmed by the challenges we inherited. Instead, we confronted them head-on with resolve and compassion. Today, I am proud to say that the story has changed and changed for the better,” he said.
“We have cleared the backlog of salary arrears, restoring the dignity of regular and predictable income. We have unfrozen promotions, ensuring that merit, dedication and commitment to hard-work are once again rewarded.
“We are consistently paying pensions and gratuities, affirming our respect and gratitude to our senior citizens, who served this state with dignity and honour,” Mutfwang stated.
He also observed that, “Through deliberate capacity-building initiatives and the provision of modern working tools, we are retooling our workforce for greater efficiency. Offices are being renovated to provide a conducive and dignified environment for service delivery.
According to him, “With the approval and implementation of the N70,000.00 minimum wage, we have taken a bold and compassionate step to enhance the welfare of our beloved workers, not just in words, but in concrete action.
“These are not mere statements; they are milestones that reflect our unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare and our belief that a ‘motivated workforce is the engine of good governance,’” he stated.
“Our relationship with labour unions has transformed, from suspicion to synergy,” the governor noted, adding that, “But, we are certainly not where we used to be. We are rebuilding not just infrastructure, but trust: trust in government, trust in leadership, and trust in a better tomorrow.”
He further saluted their courage, their diligence, and their patriotism, adding that they are the heartbeat of the administration and their contributions remain the pillars on which Plateau stands.
He urged them to continue to walk this path together, with resilience, with hope, and with unity, saying, “Even in mourning, remember that our shared strength is the surest tribute we can pay to those we have lost.
“Together, we shall defeat terror. Together, we shall overcome hardship. Together, we shall build a new Plateau, safe, strong, and prosperous.”
On another note, the governor said, “The theme for this year’s celebration in Nigeria, ‘Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,’ resonates deeply with our current realities and speaks to the enduring spirit of the Nigerian worker.
“However, we must begin on a sober note to reflect on the unfolding events that have confronted our collective journey to peace in the last few weeks.
“As we celebrate this milestone, Plateau State is in a period of mourning. Our hearts are heavy with grief over the recent unprovoked and inhumane attacks on our innocent citizens in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas by agents of terror.
“The loss of lives and the displacement of families have cast a dark shadow over our celebrations, but we refuse to be grounded by this heartless act of terror.”
While expressing Government’s deepest condolences to the bereaved families and all those affected by these mindless acts of violence, Mutfwang assured that government stands with them in sorrow, “and we will stand with you in rebuilding our broken walls,” he said.
He also expressed sorrow on the fire outbreak that occurred on Tuesday, 29th April, 2025, destroying parts of the Terminus Market in Jos North, with goods worth millions of naira lost, and sympathizes with the traders who were affected.
Also speaking, the Head of Civil Service Plateau State, Mr. Stephen Pam Gadong, said, “The theme, ‘Reclaiming the Civil Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,’ is timely and thought-provoking. It speaks not only to our present economic struggles but also to the unwavering resolve of Nigerian workers to remain agents of transformation even in the face of adversity.”
He said, the governor has not only given them their voice back, but he has reaffirmed their value as critical partners in governance, and urged them not to take these gains for granted; “rather, we must rededicate ourselves to the principles of discipline, integrity, diligence, and patriotism.”
“The Civil Service must continue to evolve from bureaucracy to productivity, from red-tape to innovation, and from routine to results, and to sustaining reforms that will institutionalize professionalism, digital efficiency, and human capacity development, in line with global best practices.”