By SN24.com 
By Peter Akpah.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, security, and civil service reforms, even as organised labour decried deepening economic hardship and unresolved welfare disputes during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Jos.
The event, held Friday at Polio Field under the theme “Insecurity, Poverty – Bane of Decent Work,” drew government officials and labour leaders amid mixed emotions. While some unions marched in colourful uniforms with smiles, others filed past with downcast faces and hands on their heads, signalling discontent with government policies.
Represented by Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, Governor Mutfwang described workers as the backbone of governance and economic growth. He acknowledged insecurity and poverty as major threats to decent work and said the state is strengthening collaboration with security agencies, including the deployment of surveillance drones to protect vulnerable communities.
On poverty alleviation, the Governor said targeted empowerment programmes are being implemented through agencies like the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency to stimulate economic activity and create jobs. He reiterated that improving livelihoods remains a core priority of his administration.
Mutfwang also listed gains in public service reforms, citing the restoration of timely promotions, introduction of Computer-Based Testing for promotion examinations, and payment of outstanding gratuities to retirees. Other measures include the absorption of ad-hoc staff in tertiary institutions, digitization of personnel records, and installation of biometric attendance systems to enhance transparency.
Head of Civil Service, Stephen Gadong, commended the reforms, saying they have raised morale and reinforced accountability in the workforce. He noted that the government’s open-door policy has improved labour relations and sustained industrial harmony across the state.
Organised labour, however, presented a stark assessment of workers’ conditions. Speaking for the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, NLC Chairman Eugene Manji described insecurity and poverty as “structural barriers” to decent work. He said wages no longer cover basic needs and questioned the sustainability of workers’ livelihoods amid rising costs and safety concerns.
The unions highlighted unresolved issues, including disputes over pension implementation, local government salary structures, alleged arbitrary staff redeployments, and non-remittance of housing fund deductions. They called for urgent government intervention to ease economic hardship, restore full benefits for health workers, and improve access to entitlements for retirees.
Explaining NASU’s symbolic protest, State Chairman Comrade Hyacinth Swamyil said members marched with hands on their heads to express dissatisfaction with economic conditions and pay disparities. He noted that while ASUU was granted a 40 per cent salary increment, non-academic staff were offered 30 per cent despite facing the same market realities.
“Workers are finding it very difficult to feed their families. Salaries can no longer sustain us. We had hoped things would improve after subsidy removal, but that has not been the case,” Swamyil said. He insisted NASU would not suspend its ongoing strike until government approves an equal 40 per cent increase.
Despite the grievances, both government and labour leaders stressed the need for sustained dialogue and collaboration to build a more secure, productive, and worker-friendly Plateau State.