The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has commended the Gombe State Government for its approach to workers’ welfare, describing it as a model worthy of emulation.
Ajaero made the remark on Friday when he led members of the National Executive Council of the NLC on a courtesy visit to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the Government House, Gombe.
He said although the NLC does not ordinarily engage in praising governments, the Congress had taken note of Gombe State’s early approval and implementation of the N70,000 National Minimum Wage, even while negotiations were ongoing nationwide.
According to him, the state went further to implement a N71,500 minimum wage, with available information indicating consistent payment of workers’ salaries despite the state’s modest revenue profile.
Ajaero noted that the development served as encouragement to organised labour and a reference point for other states. He expressed optimism that outstanding issues affecting the implementation of the new wage at the local government level would be resolved.
The NLC president also lauded the state government’s development initiatives, including the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, investments in power generation, expansion of road networks and development of key administrative zones in the state capital.
In his response, Governor Inuwa Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and good governance, stressing that transparency, accountability and prudent management of resources remained guiding principles.
He described the engagement with labour leaders as productive and emphasised the importance of collaboration between government and organised labour in promoting understanding and development.
The governor expressed appreciation to the NLC leadership for the visit, noting that the achievements recorded by his administration were products of discipline and sustained effort.
Earlier, Ajaero inspected the Mega School, Doma, and the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, expressing satisfaction with the projects and their potential to support sustainable socio-economic development.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of an award of honour to Governor Inuwa Yahaya by the NLC in recognition of his workers-friendly disposition.
