The newly elected Executive Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Gombe State chapter has pledged to partner with the All Progressives Congress‑led state administration to improve the welfare of civil servants and the broader population. Chairman Yusuf Bello, who succeeded Mohammed Adamu after the latter’s term expired, made the announcement during a familiarisation visit to the Deputy Governor’s office, accompanied by members of the state council.
Bello emphasized the council’s intention to maintain dialogue with the state government in order to foster a conducive work environment, enhance productivity, and protect workers’ rights and benefits. “The days of fighting the government over benefits are over; we shall adopt dialogue in all our dealings with the government for the benefit of our workers in the state,” he said.
He noted that Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Jatau, who previously chaired the minimum‑wage negotiation committee, is well placed to understand their concerns. Consequently, the NLC chose to visit his office first. Bello urged the deputy governor to revisit the pending implementation of the minimum wage, citing the state’s increased internally generated revenue. He added that NLC officials, during earlier negotiations, highlighted the state’s financial constraints and now request the inclusion of local‑government employees in the minimum‑wage rollout, given the improved fiscal situation.
Bello congratulated the governor and his deputy on their re‑election and pledged unwavering support for the administration. In response, the deputy governor thanked the NLC for its support and praised the conduct of the members during the Quadrennial Delegate Congress that elected the new council.
Regarding the implementation of the minimum wage at the local‑government level, Deputy Governor Jatau explained that many local governments are already overloaded with staff and cannot absorb the increase. He argued that, given the national economic climate, salary hikes are not the immediate solution; instead, providing infrastructural facilities and social amenities to subsidise workers’ livelihoods is more effective. He called on NLC officials to focus on capacity‑building for workers to keep pace with technological advancements and the evolving challenges of the modern age.
Jatau assured the council that his door remains open for dialogue, emphasizing his commitment to good governance and the well‑being of both workers and residents of Gombe State.
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