Organised labour in Nasarawa State has called on Governor Abdullahi Sule to reinstate annual salary increments for civil servants, saying the move is necessary to restore fairness and career progression within the state workforce.The appeal was made during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held in Lafia by labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.
Speaking at the event, the state NLC Chairman, Ismaila Okoh, stressed that the absence of annual step increments over the years has led to stagnation in the civil service. According to him, this has weakened the structure that ensures orderly progression and recognition of experience.
He also urged the government to implement the proposed N20,000 increase in monthly pensions for retirees and review payments for pensioners at the local government level. Okoh further appealed for improved funding of the state Pension Bureau to enable it to clear outstanding gratuities owed to retirees.
“We acknowledge the commitment of the governor to ensuring that retirees receive their gratuities. The bureau has so far cleared retirees up to 2013,” he said. While commending the government for implementing the new minimum wage, Okoh called for the swift application of the 25 and 35 per cent Consolidated Health Salary Structure for health workers, noting that their workload has significantly increased. He added that the removal of fuel subsidy has worsened economic conditions, making the current N70,000 minimum wage insufficient.
He also encouraged workers to remain dedicated and productive in order to justify government investment in the workforce.In his remarks, TUC Chairman Isa Yusuf described the governor as supportive of workers’ welfare and noted that the pension review would greatly improve retirees’ living conditions. He also recommended the creation of a unit to publish monthly gratuity payments to ensure transparency and uphold the “first-to-retire, first-to-be-paid” policy.
Yusuf praised ongoing infrastructure projects across the state, including developments in Lafia, Akwanga, Keffi, and Karu, as well as the construction of bus terminals and other public facilities.Responding, Governor Sule, represented by the Head of Civil Service, Abigail Waya, appreciated workers for their continued support since 2019. He highlighted efforts by his administration to improve welfare, including the employment of over 8,000 education staff, 2,000 healthcare workers, and the regularisation of more than 1,000 casual employees.
He assured workers that his administration remains committed to improving their welfare and advancing the overall development of the state.
