The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Bauchi State Council, has called on the state government to establish a clear framework for the payment of outstanding gratuities owed to retired civil servants.
The union made the appeal during the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration held in Bauchi, organised jointly with the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The State NLC Chairman, Dauda Shuaibu, said retirees who served the state for up to 35 years deserve to leave service with dignity, stressing the need to clear the backlog of unpaid gratuities.
He also urged the government to commence the allocation of houses built under the Civil Servants Housing Scheme to prevent deterioration, noting that the approaching rainy season and windstorms could damage the structures if they remain unoccupied.
Shuaibu further appealed for the provision of two 18-seater buses to support the operations of the NLC as a coordinating body for over 40 affiliate unions in the state.
On workers’ welfare, the union called for the resumption of the leave transport grant, describing it as a statutory entitlement that supports workers’ wellbeing and productivity.
It also urged the reactivation of motorcycle and car loan schemes to improve workers’ mobility.
The NLC raised concern over the non-remittance of deductions to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, stating that the development has denied workers access to housing loans. It called for an immediate refund and the resumption of remittances.
The union also demanded the extension of the full implementation of CONHESS and CONMESS salary structures to workers at the local government level to address disparities, as done for state health workers.
In addition, it called for the resolution of outstanding issues in the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme to ensure a smooth rollout.
While highlighting its demands, the NLC commended the state government for approving the recruitment of 10,000 workers, implementing the contributory health scheme, paying the new minimum pension, and supporting progress on the construction of a Labour House, which it said has reached about 30 per cent completion.
Responding, Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Muhammad Auwal Jatau, assured workers that his administration is committed to clearing all outstanding gratuities before the end of its tenure.
He said the government has continued to prioritise workers’ welfare despite economic challenges, citing the implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage and reforms in the payroll system to enhance transparency and eliminate leakages.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to civil service reforms, including merit-based promotions, improved service delivery, and better working conditions, adding that ongoing recruitment and strategic deployment of personnel are aimed at boosting efficiency across key sectors.
Also speaking, the Head of Civil Service, Mohammed Sani Umar, commended the governor for sustaining the N70,000 minimum wage and the N32,000 minimum pension for retirees.
He noted that the government has introduced several welfare measures, including work-free days for junior officers during the farming season, provision of subsidised agricultural inputs such as fertiliser loans, and distribution of palliatives during periods of economic hardship.
Umar added that the 2025 recruitment exercise has strengthened the capacity of the civil service and created employment opportunities for youths, while various training programmes have been organised to improve the skills of workers across all cadres.
He said ongoing reforms, including the introduction of a credible nominal roll system, merit-based promotions, and strategic deployment of officers, have improved transparency, accountability, and service delivery across ministries, departments, and agencies.
He urged civil servants to reciprocate government efforts through dedication, discipline, and adherence to public service rules, stressing that efficient service delivery is key to tackling poverty and insecurity in the state.