The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Bauchi State Council has urged the state government to establish a clear mechanism for paying unpaid gratuities to retiring governmental officials.
The union made the appeal at the 2026 International Workers’ Day commemoration in Bauchi, which was arranged in collaboration with the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The State NLC Chairman, Dauda Shuaibu, stated that retirees who have served the state for up to 35 years deserve to leave with dignity, emphasising the importance of clearing the backlog of unpaid gratuities.
He also encouraged the government to begin allocating residences created under the Civil Servants Housing Scheme to prevent degradation, pointing out that the next rainy season and windstorms could destroy the structures if they remain empty.
Shuaibu also requested the provision of two 18-seater buses to help the NLC function as a coordinating body for the state’s over 40 member unions.
On workers’ welfare, the union advocated for the reinstatement of the leave transport grant, stating it as a legislative entitlement that promotes worker well-being and productivity.
It also called for the resurrection of motorbike and automobile lending programs to increase workers’ mobility.
The NLC expressed worry about the non-remittance of deductions to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, claiming that the development has prevented workers access to home loans. It requested an immediate refund and the restart of remittances.
The union also urged that the complete adoption of CONHESS and CONMESS salary structures be extended to local government employees in order to alleviate inequities, as it has been done for state health professionals.
It also urged for the settlement of lingering concerns in the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme to guarantee a smooth transition.
While highlighting its demands, the NLC praised the state government for approving the hiring of 10,000 workers, implementing the contributory health scheme, paying the new minimum pension, and promoting progress on the construction of a Labour House, which it said is about 30% complete.
Responding, Governor Bala Mohammed, through his deputy, Muhammad Auwal Jatau, promised workers that his administration is dedicated to clearing all overdue gratuities before the conclusion of its term.
He stated that despite economic constraints, the government has continued to prioritise workers’ welfare, highlighting the adoption of the N70,000 national minimum wage and payroll system improvements to increase transparency and eliminate leakages.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to civil service reforms such as merit-based promotions, improved service delivery, and better working conditions, noting that ongoing recruitment and strategic deployment of personnel are aimed at increasing efficiency in key sectors.
Also speaking, Mohammed Sani Umar, the Head of Civil Service, praised the governor for maintaining the N70,000 minimum wage and the N32,000 minimum pension for retirees.
He mentioned that the government has implemented a number of welfare measures, including work-free days for junior officers during the farming season, the provision of discounted agricultural inputs such as fertiliser loans, and the distribution of palliatives at times of economic difficulty.
Umar noted that the 2025 recruitment exercise has enhanced the civil service’s capability and created job chances for youths, while numerous training programs have been established to boost the abilities of workers across all cadres.
He stated that ongoing reforms, such as the implementation of a credible nominal roll system, merit-based promotions, and strategic officer deployment, have increased transparency, accountability, and service delivery across ministries, departments, and agencies.
He asked civil officials to match the government’s efforts via dedication, discipline, and adherence to public service norms, emphasising that efficient service delivery is critical to combating poverty and insecurity in the state.