ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Saturday stated that the nation’s growth and development hinge on cultivating a disciplined, productive, and motivated labour force, urging enhanced collaboration between government and organised labour across Nigeria.
Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony of the Nigeria Labour Congress Secretariat in Gombe, the governor described organised labour as pivotal to national advancement, 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 further highlighted the importance of investing in human capital through education and healthcare, stressing that no country can thrive without supporting teachers, health workers, and other frontline personnel.
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“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 nationwide to match 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 also underscored the role of the civil service, which he described as the backbone of governance at all levels, emphasising the need for continuous strengthening to tackle 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 labour–government relations, the governor noted that his administration has prioritised cooperation over confrontation since taking 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 ease 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.”