Nigeria needs productive labour force – Gombe gov

Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Yahaya. Credit: State House

Kindly share this story:

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Saturday said the country’s growth and development depend on building a disciplined, productive and motivated labour force, calling for stronger collaboration between government and organised labour nationwide.

Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony of the Nigeria Labour Congress Secretariat in Gombe, the governor described organised labour as central to national progress, noting that the NLC remains “a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s democratic and socio-economic evolution.”

“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains one of the strongest institutional voices in our democracy. It is not only a defender of workers’ rights, but a partner in nation-building and a stabilising force in times of economic and social transition,” he said.

Yahaya also stressed the importance of human capital in education and healthcare, saying no nation can grow without investing in teachers, health workers and other frontline personnel.

“Our recruitment drive in education and health is a contribution to building a healthier, more educated and productive Nigeria,” he added.

The governor called on workers across the country to reciprocate government efforts with professionalism and integrity.

“As the government improves welfare, workers must equally raise standards. Nigeria needs a labour force that is disciplined, productive, citizen-focused and committed to national service,” he said.

Governor Yahaya noted that the country’s civil service, which he said forms the backbone of governance at all levels, must be continuously strengthened to meet national challenges.

“The civil service is the engine room of government. When workers are motivated, trained and properly rewarded, policies move from paper to reality, and development becomes visible to the ordinary citizen,” he stated.

Reflecting on national labour–government relations, the governor emphasised that his administration had chosen cooperation over confrontation since assuming office in 2019.

He highlighted Gombe State’s early adoption of the ₦70,000 minimum wage as part of efforts to align with national labour reforms and cushion the impact of economic pressures on workers.

He said, “Government and organised labour are not enemies. We may disagree at times, but disagreement must never replace dialogue. Constructive engagement, mutual respect and a shared vision for Nigeria’s progress must always guide our actions.

“At a time when Nigerians are grappling with rising costs of living, governments must show leadership by prioritising workers’ welfare. That is why Gombe was among the first states to implement the new minimum wage.”

Kindly share this story:

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]

UPDATE NEWS: Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25Million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, 👉 click here to find out how it work (Be sure to ask for evidence of clients that have benefitted from this)

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.