The celebration of the 2025 Workers’ Day in Plateau State was remarkable. Although the workers donned black hand bands to mourn the persistent attacks and killings in the State as well as the recent fire incident in a part of the Jos main market, they made it clear to the attackers that the State won’t give in to any form of intimidation.
The workers on that day stood in solidarity with the State government, saying, enough is enough as they also lauded the efforts of the State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang in promoting a healthy labour-government relationship in Plateau State.
Reeling out the solidarity and commendation messages, the unionists and their members who gathered at the Polo Field in Jos, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Eugene Manji and his Trade Union Congress, TUC counterpart, Kenneth Shammah urged the Governor not to relent in his good work.
The duo in agreement noted, “Our messages have been sent across via the placards the Unions have displayed here. This year, we are expressing our displeasure about the incessant killings on the Plateau, the wasting of innocent lives and destruction of property.
“That’s why we are putting on the black hand bands. We are in solidarity with the Plateau State government in the fight against terrorists activities in the State. We are saying enough is enough. These terrorists being called unknown gunmen are known because when you go to communities that have been sacked, some people are there. Are they still unknown?”
To the Governor, they added, “… We commend you for paying the pension arrears so our retirees enjoy their money while alive. We appreciate it and pray you continue to the end so that everybody can enjoy and those retiring won’t have any fear of retiring. You also sponsored the two Labour leaders to the ILO convention in Geneva. Thank you.
“Last year, you organized the first ever Labour- Government retreat, you called us for a dinner where we presented our issues which most of them have been addressed. You have paid in full for the land to address the housing need of workers. You have calculated and paid the arrears of the workers of Hill Station Hotel from 2020 but the allowances are pending and we believe you will give the approval for those to be paid.”
“The retirement age of teachers is now 65 years, promotion arrears have been cleared to 2025. If there is any pending MDA, check with your admin…”
The duo however stated, “Like Oliver Twist, the civil servants are appealing to the people’s governor to come to their aid in commencing work on the land to addressing the housing deficit and avoid leaving it fallow,” and reminded the governor of the need to extend that good gesture to staff at the local government areas.
Reacting to the accolades that day, Governor Mutfwang, among other things, assured of better days ahead for workers on the Plateau saying, “We are not where we ought to be, but certainly not where we used to be. We are not only rebuilding infrastructure, but trust in government, leadership and in better tomorrow. I want to face you anytime to tell you that I will never deceive you, that when I speak, l can confidently say read my lips…
“To you, the resilient workforce of Plateau State, I seek your understanding and cooperation in these difficult times. 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. We are taking urgent action. In response to these hardships, we have introduced measures aimed at cushioning the effects of economic pressure.
“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. 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.
“On this Workers’ Day, I salute your courage, your diligence, and your patriotism. You are the heartbeat of this administration. Your contributions remain the pillars on which Plateau stands. Let us continue to walk this path together, with resilience, with hope, and with unity. Let us, even in mourning, remember that our shared strength is the surest tribute we can pay to those we have lost,” the Plateau governor said in his assurance to workers on that significant May Day.
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