Gombe gov advocates stronger labour partnership, pledges support for workers 

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya. Photo: Gombe State House.

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Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Saturday called for deeper collaboration between government and organised labour across Nigeria, stressing that national development depends on mutual trust, dialogue and shared responsibility.

Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony for the new Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat in Gombe, the governor described organised labour as “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 noted that the Nigerian civil service, which 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.

“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,” Yahaya said.

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.

“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,” he noted.

The governor also spoke on broader public sector reforms, stressing the need for efficiency, transparency and accountability in governance.

“We have invested in public service reforms, cleared long-standing gratuity backlogs, strengthened manpower through training, and deployed technology to eliminate ghost workers. These are not just state-level actions; they reflect the kind of governance Nigeria needs,” he said.

On national development and service delivery, Yahaya stressed the importance of human capital in education and healthcare.

“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 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.

In a major gesture of support, Yahaya announced that the Gombe State Government would fully fund and complete the NLC state secretariat.

“This is our way of strengthening organised labour institutionally. A strong NLC is essential for industrial harmony, social stability and democratic growth, not only in Gombe State but across Nigeria,” he declared.

He concluded with a call for unity amid national challenges. “At this critical moment in our national journey, we must choose dialogue over discord and partnership over antagonism. Together, government, labour and citizens can build a Nigeria where workers are respected, retirees are protected, and prosperity is shared,” Yahaya said.

The governor congratulated the NLC leadership on the project, describing the new secretariat as “a symbol of stability, progress and enduring cooperation between labour and government.”

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