By HOSEA NYAMLONG
The Plateau State Head of Civil Service, Stephen Gadong, has commended workers for their resilience and dedication, describing them as critical drivers of the state’s growth and development.
Speaking Friday during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Polo Field in Jos, Gadong highlighted the significance of this year’s theme: ‘Insecurity, Poverty, Bane of Decent Work’.
He explained that the theme reflected pressing challenges affecting productivity and well-being, assuring that the state government remained committed to addressing these issues through strategic interventions and sustained collaboration.
The Head of Service expressed appreciation for Governor Mutfwang’s leadership style and commitment to public service reform, noting that several initiatives had boosted morale within the civil service.
He cited the restoration of timely promotions, including the release of the 2026 promotion exercise, as a major achievement.
According to him, the introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for promotion examinations had strengthened transparency and credibility in the system.
Gadong also acknowledged ongoing efforts by the administration to clear the backlog of gratuities, the absorption of ad-hoc staff into tertiary institutions and the compensation of those who could not be retained due to age limitations.
Further reforms, he said, included the digitisation of personnel records, staff and pensioner audits, the introduction of biometric attendance systems and infrastructure projects aimed at improving the working environment.
He further praised the cordial relationship between government and organised labour, pointing to the recent donation of three Toyota buses to labour unions as evidence of sustained support.
Reaffirming the commitment of public servants, Gadong urged workers to maintain integrity and professionalism in order to build a more efficient public service.
Despite the commendations, civil servants from various sectors used the occasion to call for improved welfare, enhanced security and increased employment opportunities.
Comrade Chris Maxwell, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (SSAN) at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, commended workers’ efforts but urged government to urgently address manpower shortages.
“As many workers are retiring, the government must ensure timely replacements through new employment to sustain productivity,” he stated.
Similarly, Comrade Vitalis Hakuri, Chairman of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), described the day as one of reflection, stressing the need for stronger protection of lives and property.
“Criminal acts should be decisively punished in accordance with the law,” he added.
Comrade Dans Gyang of the Computer and Allied Associations, Plateau State Chapter, applauded the event but called for urgent attention to the plight of local government workers.
“The current economic situation is harsh. Salaries remain the same while the cost of living rises daily,” he lamented.
In his remarks, Comrade Michael Dashi, Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), NIMC Unit, linked insecurity to worsening economic hardship.
“Poverty is the root cause of insecurity. Government must take decisive action to improve living conditions,” he said.
From the civil society sector, Steve Aluko emphasised that government’s primary responsibility remained the protection of citizens.
He also urged authorities to address the country’s energy crisis.
“Many companies are shutting down due to inadequate power supply, and citizens are struggling to pay rising energy bills,” he noted.
Chairman of the occasion and Special Adviser on Workers’ Welfare and Corporate Affairs, Titus Alams, commended workers for their cooperation and commitment.
He noted that the state had not experienced industrial strikes since the inception of the current administration, attributing this stability to continuous engagement with labour leaders.
Alams assured workers that their concerns were being addressed, expressing optimism that many of the outstanding demands would be fully resolved within Governor Mutfwang’s tenure.