May Day 2026: Benue Gov Alia restates commitment to workers welfare

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, describing them as the backbone of development in Benue State.

Speaking during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at IBB Square in Makurdi, the Governor said the occasion was not merely ceremonial but an opportunity to honour the sacrifices and contributions of workers across sectors.

Alia commended workers in both public and private sectors for their resilience and dedication, noting that their efforts remain critical to the growth of the state. He paid tribute to teachers, healthcare workers, farmers, and civil servants, stressing that each group plays a vital role in building a prosperous Benue.

Reflecting on his administration’s three years in office, the governor said his government came with a clear vision to reposition the state as a hub of agricultural excellence and socio-economic growth. He noted that workers’ welfare has remained central to that vision, with policies designed to improve living and working conditions.

He highlighted the prompt payment of salaries and pensions as a non-negotiable priority, alongside the implementation of a N75,000 minimum wage above the federal benchmark. According to him, the administration has also been clearing salary arrears inherited from previous governments while ensuring timely promotions for civil servants.

The governor further disclosed that his government has invested heavily in capacity building, including the training of about 40,000 civil servants in digital and e-governance tools. He added that initiatives such as the Electronic Document Management System and other digital platforms were introduced to equip workers with modern skills.

On infrastructure, Alia said the government has renovated the state secretariat and improved working environments across ministries, departments, and agencies. He added that over 9,000 teachers have been recruited, while schools are being reconstructed and equipped to enhance education delivery.

In the health and agriculture sectors, the governor noted that his administration has employed additional staff, upgraded healthcare facilities, and supported farmers with subsidised inputs. He also pointed to ongoing projects such as the proposed National Food City and other investments aimed at boosting food production, job creation, and economic growth.

Addressing security concerns, Alia acknowledged ongoing challenges but assured citizens that efforts are being intensified through collaboration with security agencies and the establishment of local security outfits. He expressed sympathy to victims of insecurity and reiterated his administration’s resolve to restore peace.

The governor called for sustained partnership between government and organised labour, promising to consider workers’ demands. He urged workers to remain disciplined, productive, and committed to excellence, while also encouraging the private sector and youths to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the state.

Meanwhile, workers in Benue State have called for improved welfare, as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) urged the state government to convert casual workers into permanent staff to enhance their living conditions.

The NLC Chairman, Comrade Terungwa Igbe, who spoke on behalf of both unions during the May Day celebration highlighted key achievements of the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia while also presenting pressing concerns affecting workers across the state.

Comrade Igbe commended the Governor for implementing several labour-friendly policies that have positively impacted workers’ welfare, acknowledging prompt payment of salaries, popularly referred to as “Mr. 25,” has restored, regular payment of pensions and terminal benefits to retirees, implementation of the new national minimum wage and the substantial clearing of salary arrears inherited from previous administrations, distribution of palliatives and subsidized grains to workers, which he said helped cushion the effects of economic hardship following fuel subsidy removal.

Igbe, however noted that despite these achievements, the labour unions require urgent government attention to the payment of outstanding salary arrears owed to state workers, as well as improved remuneration for local government employees and teachers.

The unions also called for an increase in pensioners’ monthly earnings to reflect current economic realities, noting that retirees continue to face financial hardship.

A major highlight of their demands was the appeal for the conversion of thousands of casual workers in government ministries, departments, and agencies into permanent and pensionable staff. Comrade Igbe stressed that such a move would significantly improve their livelihoods and provide security for their dependants.

Additionally, the unions requested the provision of a mobility vehicle and a befitting secretariat for the NLC in Benue State to enhance operational efficiency and reduce the burden of high rental costs.

They also urged the government to recruit more workers into the state civil service and local government system to strengthen service delivery.

While expressing satisfaction with the administration’s performance so far, the labour leaders emphasized that addressing these challenges would further deepen the gains made and solidify the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare in the state.