By Sule Wakili
JALINGO – Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to the welfare of civil servants, promising renewed policy focus and infrastructure improvements to enhance public service delivery across the state.
Speaking through the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, John Kizito Bonzena, at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo, the governor assured workers that their demands would be addressed through appropriate administrative actions.
“Our administration remains committed to prioritizing the welfare of civil servants. We will continue to implement policies that create a better working environment and ensure effective governance,” said Kefas.
He noted that several initiatives, including training and retraining programs and the renovation of government offices across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), were already underway to boost efficiency in the public sector.
The governor praised the perseverance of workers and urged them to maintain their dedication to duty. “Let us renew our collective resolve to build a Taraba we can all be proud of,” he said.
However, the celebrations were not without concerns from organized labour. Comrade Peter Jediel, Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Taraba, decried the non-remittance of union dues for four months, attributing the lapse to the previous administration’s failure from February to May 2023.
“The withheld dues have caused distress among workers, and we urge the current government to urgently remit the outstanding amount,” Jediel demanded. “If nothing is done, we will be forced to take decisive action in defence of workers’ rights.”
Jediel also urged the state government to resolve lingering issues affecting university staff, retirees, and local government workers—including unpaid salaries, earned allowances, and promotion backlogs dating as far back as 2006.
“The biometric verification of teachers must be conducted with transparency. We know our members, and we will resist any attempt to remove genuine names,” he warned.
Also speaking at the event, Comrade Sule Abasu, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, expressed disappointment with the Office of the Accountant General for failing to remit check-off dues and welfare deductions. While applauding Governor Kefas for releasing N1.5 billion for gratuities, he urged for continued payments to those still owed.
Taraba State’s Head of Civil Service, Dr. Hamidu Ahmed Kara, echoed the administration’s efforts to build a responsive and efficient workforce. He highlighted several government initiatives, including prompt salary payments, civil service training programs, and healthcare provisions.
“Dialogue with the Labour Union has led to key achievements such as the implementation of the national minimum wage and establishment of critical institutions,” said Dr. Kara. “The future of Taraba depends on our collective effort, innovation, and dedication.”
The celebration also featured a colourful match-pass, an award presentation naming Governor Kefas the “Best Governor of the Year,” musical performances, and a commemorative group photograph.