By Segun Adewale, Gombe
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has acknowledged the Gombe State Government’s labour-related policies, particularly the implementation of the National Minimum Wage as well as the regular payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities to retirees in the state.
The remarks were made over the weekend by the National President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, at the official flag-off of the Gombe State Labour House, a project designed to provide the organized labour with a befitting secretariat after decades of operating without a permanent one.
Comrade Ajaero described Gombe as one of Nigeria’s relatively young states that has surpassed many of its peers in development, despite operating with modest financial allocations.
“Gombe is truly living up to its name. The state is endowed with mineral resources, and from what we have seen, it also possesses strong human capital – two essential ingredients for sustainable development,” he said.
He particularly praised the Governor for the regular payment of workers’ entitlements, noting that many states across the federation are still grappling with unpaid gratuities and pensions.
“God bless you, Your Excellency for the consistent and regular payment of workers’ entitlements and backlog gratuities. Not all states are doing this,” Ajaero remarked.
According to him, Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s prioritisation of workers’ welfare has translated into visible development outcomes, even in the face of limited federal allocations.
“With the implementation of the minimum wage, you gave workers food. With this Labour House, you are giving workers shelter, something they have lacked for over 30 years,” he added.
In his remarks, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described workers as indispensable partners in governance, stressing that their welfare has remained a central focus of his administration since assuming office in 2019.
“From the very beginning of this administration, workers have remained indispensable companions in our collective journey of development. The workforce is a critical stakeholder in governance, and we have ensured that no worker is left behind,” the Governor said.
He explained that the government has sustained a culture of dialogue, mutual understanding, and shared responsibility with organized labour, a strategy he said has helped strengthen industrial harmony and productivity across the state.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya recalled that Gombe was among the first states in the country to implement the National Minimum Wage, despite limited resources, describing the move as a deliberate investment in human capital development.
He further outlined key reforms aimed at improving efficiency in the public service, including the establishment of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, regular training and capacity-building programmes, and the introduction of a biometric attendance system to enhance accountability.
According to the Governor, the state government has so far paid over 33.283 billion naira in gratuity obligations and backlog, easing long-standing pension challenges faced by retirees.
He also disclosed that 440 health workers and over 1,000 teachers have been recruited to strengthen service delivery in critical sectors.
Beyond welfare payments, the Governor highlighted ongoing investments in public infrastructure, including the construction of a modern state secretariat within the Three-Arms Zone, alongside the State House of Assembly and High Court complexes, aimed at improving the working environment and dignity of labour.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya used the occasion to announce that the state government would fully finance and complete the NLC Secretariat.
“This government is a performing government, and we will deliver as promised. We shall finance this project and ensure its completion within six months,” he assured.
He urged workers to reciprocate the government’s investments with renewed dedication, professionalism, and cooperation, noting that collective effort remains essential to sustaining progress.
“Leadership is a burden that requires the support of all stakeholders. With the support of labour and the people of Gombe State, we will achieve the future we all desire,” the Governor added.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Gombe State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Yusuf Aish Bello, praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya for reviving the dignity of labour in the state.
