By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
The Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed has stated that his administration have remained committed to improving the welfare of civil servants despite prevailing economic challenges by strengthening payroll management through the development of a credible nominal roll system to eliminate leakages, enhance transparency and ensure efficient utilization of resources.
Speaking during the May Day celebration in Bauchi, the governor said This year’s theme, “Insecurity and Poverty: The Bane of Decent Work,” is both germane and thought-provoking, stressing that It highlights the harsh realities confronting workers and called for urgent, collective action.
The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Hon Auwal Jatau noted that insecurity and poverty do not only threaten livelihoods but also undermine productivity, dignity and the overall well-being of workforce of a nation.
“As we commemorate this day, I urge all workers in both the public and private sectors to reflect on their roles in addressing these challenges. Nation-building requires resilience, discipline, and a shared sense of responsibility. We must continue to work together to overcome these difficulties and build a more secure, resilient, and prosperous society”.
“My dear workers, since the inception of our Administration, we have remained committed to improving the welfare of civil servants despite prevailing economic challenges. We have strengthened payroll management through the development of a credible nominal roll system to eliminate leakages, enhance transparency, and ensure efficient utilization of resources. This has enabled us to sustain salary and pension payments while channeling savings into developmental projects”.
“Our agricultural initiatives, in particular, are designed to empower workers and citizens to achieve food security, create wealth, and reduce dependency. We have also sustained and expanded welfare interventions introduced in previous years to cushion the effects of economic hardship. We have in the past three years been providing more work-free days as incentive to our Civil Servants to partake in the rainy season farming activities, in addition to the subsidized fertilizer loan” The governor said.
Also Speaking, the Head of Civil Service Bauchi State, Mohammed Sani Umar commended the state government for the sustained support to workers and organized labour, including the continuous sponsorship and encouragement of May Day activities and other union engagements, pointing out that the gesture reflects the strong partnership and mutual respect that exist between government and the workforce.
He noted that the ongoing reforms in the civil service such as the establishment of a credible nominal roll system, merit-based promotions, Service Charter and strategic deployment of officers have strengthened transparency, accountability, and service delivery in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies across the state.
He called on civil servants in the state to reciprocate government’s commitment through dedication, punctuality, discipline, and adherence to the Public Service Rules, stressing that they must continue to uphold the values of probity, transparency, and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
