Labour Urges Bauchi Govt To Clear Backlog Of Gratuities

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Bauchi State Council, has urged the state government to establish a clear framework for the settlement of outstanding gratuity owed to retired civil servants in the state.

The union made the appeal during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi, jointly organised by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Friday.

At the event, the NLC state chairperson, Comrade Dauda Shuaibu, said retirees who served the state meritoriously for decades deserve to exit service with dignity.

“Our senior citizens who served this state for 35 years deserve to retire in dignity. We appeal for a clear framework to settle the backlog of gratuities owed them. Let us wipe the tears of our pensioners,” he said.

The union also called on Governor Bala Mohammed to immediately commence the distribution of houses constructed under the Civil Servants Housing Scheme to prevent deterioration.

While commending the government for the initiative, Shuaibu expressed concern over delays, noting that the approaching rainy season and windstorms could damage the structures if left unoccupied.

The NLC further requested the provision of two 18-seater buses to enhance its operational efficiency, given its role as a coordinating body for over 42 affiliate unions in the state.

On workers’ welfare, the union urged the government to resume payment of the Leave Transport Grant (LTG), describing it as a statutory entitlement that supports workers’ wellbeing and productivity.

It also called for the reactivation of motorcycle and car loan schemes to improve workers’ access to mobility support.

The labour body raised concerns over the non-remittance of deductions to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), stating that the development has denied workers access to housing loans.

“We are worried that deductions for the National Housing Scheme have not been remitted since August 2024. We call for immediate refund and resumption of remittances,” Shuaibu said.

The union reaffirmed its commitment to partnership with the government, stressing that workers remain dedicated to the development of the state.

It, however, urged the extension of the full implementation of CONHESS and CONMESS salary structures to workers at the local government level to address disparities, like it did for health workers at state level.

The NLC also commended the state government for approving the recruitment of 10,000 workers, implementing the contributory health scheme, and paying the new minimum pension.

The NLC also called for the resolution of outstanding issues in the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to ensure a smooth rollout.

Shuaibu noted that Bauchi labour had achieved about 30 per cent progress toward building a Labour House, appreciating government support so far.

On his part, the state Governor Mohammed assured workers that his administration is committed to clearing all outstanding gratuity before the end of his tenure.

Represented by his deputy, Muhammad Auwal Jatau, the governor said the government has prioritised workers’ welfare despite economic challenges.

He highlighted reforms such as the introduction of a credible payroll system to eliminate leakages and ensure transparency, enabling the government to sustain salary and pension payments.

Mohammed also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to civil service reforms, including merit-based promotions, improved service delivery, and enhanced working conditions.

He noted that Bauchi was among the first states to implement the N70,000 national minimum wage and has continued to strengthen welfare measures.

The governor added that ongoing recruitment and strategic deployment of personnel are aimed at improving efficiency across key sectors.

He further emphasised government investments in agriculture and social welfare programmes to reduce poverty and support livelihoods.

“We will continue to stand by our workers and build a resilient, efficient, and responsive civil service,” he said.

Also, the Head of Civil Service in the state, Barrister Mohammed Sani Umar, commended the governor for the implementation and sustenance of the N70,000 national minimum wage, as well as the N32,000 minimum pension for retirees in the state.

He further praised the governor for introducing innovative welfare measures, including work-free days for junior officers during the farming season, which he said have significantly supported agricultural productivity and workers’ wellbeing.

He also highlighted the provision of subsidised agricultural inputs, such as fertiliser loans to civil servants, and the distribution of palliatives, particularly during periods of economic hardship like Ramadan.

Umar also lauded the successful recruitment exercise initiated in 2025, noting that it has boosted capacity in the civil service and created employment opportunities for youths.

He added that various training programmes have been conducted across all categories of civil servants, including drivers and messengers, alongside sponsorship for workshops and seminars within and outside the state.