Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has been commended for his remarkable efforts in improving the welfare of workers in the state during his 8 years in office.

This commendation was made by members of the Plateau State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) at the Workers Day Celebration held at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium Jos, with the theme “Workers’ Rights and Socioeconomic Justice”.

The labour leaders noted that Governor Lalong has made significant strides in addressing issues such as salary arrears, pension arrears, and the implementation of the thirty thousand naira minimum wage and consequential adjustments. They also commended the Governor for his efforts in providing home renovation loans to over 2,500 civil servants to ease housing challenges they face.

While expressing appreciation for the Governor’s efforts, the labour leaders also highlighted some pending issues that still need to be addressed. These issues include the implementation of harmonized retirement age for teachers and the promotion of workers in the state.

Speaking at the event, Governor Lalong thanked the workers for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure. He assured them that his administration remains committed to ensuring a harmonious government-labour relationship and urged the incoming administration to give workers the kind of support and cooperation he received.

“We are highly appreciative of our workers and shall continue to ensure a harmonious government-labour relationship despite the attempt by some politicians and vested interests to come between us and use the labour to antagonise the Government with a view to discrediting it” he said.

The Head of Service, Plateau State, Engr. Sunday Hyat, also thanked the workers for their steadfastness and support for the Government’s mandate. He noted that Governor Lalong’s compassion and love for workers have been evident in his approval of workers’ salaries despite several economic challenges.

The guest speaker, Professor Dung Pam Sha, used the occasion to bemoan the disparity between the earnings of workers and elites in the country. He called for urgent action to address this injustice.