… Appreciates Benue workers for their role in the State
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has commended the invaluable contributions of the state’s workforce, celebrating them as the cornerstone of the state’s development. Speaking at the IBB Square in Makurdi during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration, the Governor praised the resilience and dedication of Benue workers in steering the state’s progress.
Addressing a large gathering of civil servants, labor leaders, and citizens, Governor Alia highlighted the achievements of his administration over the past two years, attributing much of the success to the commitment and hard work of the state’s workforce.
He noted that his administration has implemented a new minimum wage of ₦75,000, which exceeds the federal benchmark by ₦5,000. This, he said, was a deliberate step to improve the welfare and motivation of civil servants, thereby enhancing service delivery across the state.
Governor Alia also emphasized reforms in the pension sector, ensuring that retirees now receive their benefits without delay. He described this as part of efforts to restore the dignity of those who have dedicated their lives to public service.
The Governor acknowledged ongoing efforts to settle outstanding salary arrears, revealing that his administration has made part payment of five months’ arrears owed to workers and political appointees from past administrations. He assured the workers that regular payment of salaries remains a top priority.
In line with the administration’s modernization agenda, Governor Alia announced that over 40,000 workers are currently undergoing training in e-governance through the newly established Benue Public Service Institute. The institute, he revealed, will soon launch postgraduate programs to build capacity and promote career advancement within the civil service.
Addressing the economic strain caused by the removal of fuel subsidies, Governor Alia cited the transportation subsidy initiative introduced by his administration as a direct intervention to reduce commuting costs for workers. He also mentioned the provision of subsidized fertilizers for farmers as part of a broader strategy to support worker livelihoods across various sectors.
While urging workers to uphold professionalism and eschew negative workplace attitudes, the Governor called for stronger collaboration between the government and labor unions, stressing the importance of unity in driving sustainable development.
“Together, we will build a future that our children will be proud to inherit,” he said, reaffirming that the voices of workers will continue to shape the direction of his administration.
Governor Alia’s address concluded with a resounding pledge to sustain policies that honor the dignity of labor and build a more prosperous Benue for all.
