NULGE Plateau State Chapter Commend Governor Mutfwang for Unprecedented Welfare Interventions, Promotion of over 2,000 Local Government Workers.

The Plateau State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for the remarkable transformation in the welfare, morale, and career progression of local government workers across the state.

In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, Governor Mutfwang received the commendation on Monday, November 24, 2025, when the State NULGE President, Comrade McQuin Arandong, led a high-powered delegation on a courtesy visit to Government House, Jos.

Expressing profound satisfaction with the administration’s sweeping reforms, Comrade Arandong noted that the lives of over 45,000 workers and retirees have been positively impacted within a short period. Drawing from his 18 years of active union service, including participation in three separate minimum wage negotiation teams, he asserted that “no administration has restored dignity to the local government workforce like the current one.”

He described the recent release and implementation of promotions for more than 2,000 local government staff as “a bold and unforgettable milestone,” adding that Governor Mutfwang has achieved what many administrations before him were unable to do.

“Before Your Excellency came on board, the gap between state and local government workers was painfully wide. But today, for levels 1 to 10, our members are comfortable. For the first time in Plateau State, local government workers can lift their heads high. This is liberation,” he declared with pride.

The NULGE President highlighted several interventions that have renewed workers’ confidence in government, including: Immediate implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage;

Clearance of backlog salary and pension arrears;

Timely release of promotions;

Unprecedented attention to the welfare of retirees.

Arandong also commended the Head of Service, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Executive Secretary of the Pension Board, describing them as “pillars who have opened their doors and their hearts to workers.”

According to him, the recent release of over ₦1 billion for retirees marked a turning point in the history of the local government system in the state. “Your Excellency, you may not fully grasp the magnitude of your impact. You have touched the lives of over 45,000 teachers, health workers, administrators, and pensioners. Their stories bear your signature,” he said.

He appealed to the Governor to support the completion of the NULGE Secretariat and provide mobility to aid the union’s official engagements. He reaffirmed the union’s unflinching loyalty, saying:

“Wherever you move, Your Excellency, we will stand with you. Come 2027, we will reciprocate at the ballot box.”

In his response, Governor Mutfwang thanked NULGE for sustaining industrial harmony since the inception of his administration, noting that the peace in the labour sector has contributed greatly to stabilizing governance.

The Governor reaffirmed his long-standing belief in the local government system, emphasizing that the future of the sector lies not merely in the pursuit of autonomy but in strengthening operational efficiency.

“I have not been a great fan of the word autonomy. I am more of a fan of efficiency. The local government system has come to stay, but it must work for the people,” he stated.

He reiterated that no institution can outperform the quality of its workforce and emphasized his administration’s continued commitment to the training, retraining, and capacity building of local government personnel.

On revenue mobilization, Governor Mutfwang stressed the importance of expanding the Internally Generated Revenue base, noting that sustainable income growth for workers depends on growing the financial capacity of the system.

“The quarrel today is because the cake we are trying to share is still in the same cake pan made many years ago. We need a bigger cake pan so we can bake a bigger cake, and everyone will have a fair share,” he explained.

The Governor commended the union for its cooperation and encouraged workers across the NUT, health, and administrative sectors to maintain productivity and dedication to duty.

“Government is happy with NULGE, and we will continue working together,” he assured. “As God continues to help us, we will keep improving the system and the people who run the system.”

Governor Mutfwang also pledged to explore the possibility of providing a bus for the union and to consider other requests based on available resources.