Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has approved the payment of the 90% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and 75% Hazard Allowance to other health workers, the Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU) and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in the state.
According to him, his administration, in recognizing the significance of the civil service as the engine room of government, has prioritised its well-being by fulfilling promises, clearing outstanding salaries, rejuvenating the workforce through training and ensuring the regular release of overheads for enhanced productivity.
The governor further said he will continue to uphold the values and ethics of the civil service as a deliberate step towards fostering an environment for all sectors to thrive stressing that his guiding principles include fairness, justice, and equity in our treatment of every worker.
Mutfwang stated this at the Plateau State Government/ Nigeria Labour Congress TUC Retreat on Promoting Effective Social Dialogue for Industrial Relations Under the Context of the Time is Now Mantra held in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
He declared that the welfare of civil servants is paramount, hence, his administration on coming on board have cleared the backlog of inherited salaries which spanned over four months and they are up-to-date with payment of workers salaries.
According to the governor, additional efforts are underway to address long standing issues like gratuities, death benefits, and pension arrears as the last payment of gratuity was done in 1985.
He said, “The theme of this retreat, “Promoting Effective Social Dialogue for Industrial Relations Under the Context of The Time Is Now Mantra,” is apt and timely. Industrial harmony is crucial for development, and the civil service must be a cornerstone of continuous dialogue to achieve this.”
The governor also explained that the time is now for mutual benefit, industrial harmony, worker welfare, training, prompt payment of salaries, and promotions while urging civil servants to engage in governance, in order to foster a partnership that transforms the state positively.
