Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has promised to clear the backlog of pension arrears amounting to N30 billion to alleviate retirees’ sufferings.

Mr Mutfwang made the promise at the opening of the first-ever Plateau Government/NLC/TUC retreat on Monday in Jos, saying that workers’ welfare remains his topmost priority.

The governor said successive administrations did not give adequate attention to the welfare of retirees, hence the huge amount of unpaid pensions.

The governor said the state last paid gratuities in 1985 and that his administration was up-to-date in paying workers’ salaries.

“Efforts are underway to address long-standing issues like gratuities, death benefits, and pension arrears, as the last payment of gratuity was done in 1985.

“Also, we have approved the payment of the 90 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and 75 per cent hazards allowance.

“Similarly, we have approved the payment of 75 per cent Hazards Allowance to other health workers, that is, the Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU) and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives,” he said.

The governor assured that his administration would continue to uphold the values and ethics of the civil service as a deliberate step towards fostering an environment for all sectors to thrive.

Plateau NLC chairman Eugene Manji said the retreat was an opportunity for government and labour leaders to brainstorm ways to improve state governance.

The chairman commended the Plateau government for partnering with organised labour to launch the maiden retreat.

Pam Dung Sha, Director of Research at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, advised the Plateau government to set up a team of labour advisers instead of the usual one adviser.

(NAN)