Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has approved the payment of the 90 percent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and 75 percent hazard allowance for other health workers, the Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU) and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives in the state.
According to him, his administration in recognition of the significance of the civil service as the engine room of government had 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 the treatment of every worker.
Mutfwang stated this at the Plateau State Government/Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union 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 is up-to-date with payment of workers’ salaries.
According to the governor additional efforts are underway to address longstanding issues like gratuities, death benefits, and pension arrears as the last payment of gratuity was done in 1985.
He said the theme of the retreat, “Promoting Effective Social Dialogue for Industrial Relations Under the Context of The Time Is Now Mantra,” is apt and timely. He added that industrial harmony is crucial for development, and the civil service must be a cornerstone of continuous dialogue to achieve this.
