Gombe Governor Advocates Stronger Labour Partnership, Pledges Support for Workers

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has called for deeper collaboration between government and organised labour across Nigeria, stressing that sustainable national development depends on mutual trust, dialogue and shared responsibility.

The governor made the call on Saturday at the foundation-laying ceremony for the new Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat in Gombe, where he described organised labour as a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s democratic growth and socio-economic development.

According to Yahaya, the NLC remains one of the most influential institutional voices in the country’s democracy, playing a vital role beyond the defence of workers’ rights.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress is not only a defender of workers’ welfare, but also a partner in nation-building and a stabilising force during periods of economic and social transition,” the governor said.

He noted that the Nigerian civil service, which forms the backbone of governance at the federal, state and local government levels, must be continuously strengthened to effectively respond to national challenges.

“The civil service is the engine room of government. When workers are motivated, well-trained and properly rewarded, policies move from paper to reality, and development becomes visible to the ordinary citizen,” Yahaya stated.

Reflecting on labour–government relations at the national and state levels, the governor emphasised that his administration had prioritised cooperation and dialogue since assuming office in 2019.

“Government and organised labour are not enemies. We may disagree at times, but disagreement must never replace dialogue. Constructive engagement, mutual respect and a shared vision for Nigeria’s progress must always guide our actions,” he said.

Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare in Gombe State, pledging continued support for policies that promote improved working conditions, capacity building and industrial harmony.

He added that a peaceful and motivated workforce was essential to achieving the state’s development goals.

The governor also commended the NLC leadership for initiating the construction of a permanent secretariat in the state, describing the project as a symbol of labour’s growing institutional strength and its long-term commitment to workers’ advocacy.

Leaders of organised labour present at the event expressed appreciation to the Gombe State Government for its support, noting that the new secretariat would enhance coordination, dialogue and effective engagement between workers and government.

The ceremony attracted top government officials, labour leaders and union members from across the state, underscoring the importance of sustained cooperation between the government and organised labour in driving inclusive development.