Governor Caleb Mutfwtang of Plateau has disclosed that the state government owes its workers about N11 billion in salary arrears.

The governor said this at a town hall meeting organised by the Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTVC) in Jos on Monday.

The meeting with the theme: ‘Unpacking the New Vision’ was organised as part of the activities to mark 2023 Democracy Day in the state.

“Out of a wage bill of N2.9 billion for February, only N900 million was paid,” said Mr Mutfwtang. “As of now, I can tell Plateau people without politicking that we owe salaries up to May to the tune of about ₦11 billion.”

He said his administration inherited N1.1 billion from the state coffers, adding that “we are going to start in a difficult way.” 

The governor said he inherited many challenges from the immediate past administration, including a strike by the civil service, which he has been able to resolve.

Mr Muftwang assured residents that the civil service would be re-equipped, re-invigorated and modernised to perform its duties as the engine room of the state.

He said the recent suspension of democratic structures in the 17 LGAs of the state was done in good faith following a recommendation by the Plateau State House of Assembly.

The governor explained that his administration also suspended the recruitment exercise into the state civil service from October 1, 2022, till the date conducted by his predecessor, pending an investigation.

He said the step would ensure that the exercise was conducted in line with due process, with a promise that those found to be properly recruited at the end of the investigation would return to their jobs.

He dismissed as fake news a story circulating that he had dissolved the newly established traditional chiefdoms in the state.

“We will await advice from the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Traditional Rulers and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs before we take any step if there is a need on such matters,” he said.

(NAN)