The Bauchi State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the state government to settle outstanding gratuities owed to retired civil servants and improve overall worker welfare. The appeal was made during the joint 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Bauchi.
NLC state chairman Dauda Shuaibu emphasized that retirees who served the state for up to 35 years deserve a dignified exit, calling for a clear framework to clear the backlog of unpaid gratuities. He also requested the allocation of houses built under the Civil Servants Housing Scheme to prevent deterioration from the approaching rainy season and windstorms.
Shuaibu further appealed for the provision of two 18-seater buses to support NLC operations as a coordinating body for over 40 affiliate unions. On welfare, the union demanded the reinstatement of the leave transport grant, describing it as a statutory right that boosts productivity and wellbeing.
The NLC also called for the revival of motorcycle and car loan schemes to improve worker mobility. It expressed concern over the non-remittance of deductions to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, which has blocked workers’ access to housing loans, and demanded immediate refunds and resumed remittances.
Additionally, the union urged the extension of full CONHESS and CONMESS salary structures to local government workers to address disparities, as done for state health workers. It also called for resolution of outstanding issues in the Contributory Pension Scheme implementation.
Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy Muhammad Auwal Jatau, assured workers of the administration’s commitment to clearing all gratuities before the end of its tenure. He cited the implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage and payroll system reforms as evidence of prioritizing worker welfare despite economic challenges.
Head of Civil Service Mohammed Sani Umar commended the governor for sustaining the N70,000 minimum wage and N32,000 minimum pension. He noted various welfare measures, including work-free days for junior officers during farming season, subsidized agricultural inputs, and distribution of palliatives during economic hardship.
Umar added that the 2025 recruitment exercise strengthened the civil service and created youth employment, while training programs improved worker skills. He urged civil servants to reciprocate through dedication and adherence to public service rules, emphasizing that efficient service delivery is key to tackling poverty and insecurity.