The Borno state government has approved the immediate implementation of promotion benefits and payment of leave grants to civil servants across the state.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum gave the approval on Monday following a closed-door meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) at the Government House, Maiduguri.
The decision followed a proposal submitted by the Directorate of Establishment in the Office of the Head of Service, containing recommendations on the implementation of the national minimum wage policy across the state public service.
Following consultations with labour leaders and other stakeholders, Governor Zulum approved the immediate payment of promotional benefits to civil servants for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 sessions.
He also approved the payment of leave grants to all eligible civil servants for the 2025 session.
The governor further directed the review of salary arrears owed to workers in the secondary and tertiary education sectors, with a view to commencing implementation in September 2026.
Meanwhile, Zulum has constituted a task force to review and propose strategies for implementing the new salary scale and gratuity scheme for local government employees in the state.
The task force, headed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, is expected to consult widely with stakeholders, review existing regulations and assess the local government workforce.
It will also identify viable and sustainable options for implementing the enhanced salary structure across the state.
The committee has been given two weeks to submit its report for consideration by the state government.
In addition, governor Zulum directed the Directorate of Establishment to develop a blueprint for fresh employment and recruitment into the state civil service.
The recruitment plan is expected to be based on a review of the existing workforce, manpower gap analysis and assessment of staffing needs, particularly in critical professions affected by retirements and loss of skilled personnel.
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, announced the decisions in a statement.