Borno governor approves promotion benefits, leave grants

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has approved immediate implementation of promotion benefits and payment of leave grants for civil servants across the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Maiduguri.

Tar said the decision followed recommendations from the Directorate of Establishment in the Office of the Head of Service.

He said the recommendations emerged after a closed-door meeting between the governor and organised labour leaders at the Government House.

The meeting involved the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).

“This followed a closed-door meeting with the leadership of the NLC, TUC and NULGE at the Government House, Maiduguri, on Monday,” Tar said.

Zulum approved immediate implementation of promotional benefits for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 sessions.

The governor also approved payment of leave grants to all entitled workers for the 2025 session.

The decision is expected to address outstanding employment benefits and provide financial relief to eligible civil servants across Borno.

Zulum further directed a review of salary arrears owed workers in secondary and tertiary education institutions.

The review is expected to determine the extent of outstanding liabilities and facilitate implementation of payments by September 2026.

The governor also constituted a task force to examine the implementation of the new salary scale and gratuity scheme for local government workers.

The task force will be headed by Sugun Mai Mele, Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs.

It was mandated to consult relevant stakeholders and review existing regulations governing local government workers.

The committee will also assess the local government workforce and identify factors relevant to implementing the proposed salary and gratuity arrangements.

It is expected to submit its report to the governor within two weeks of commencing its assignment.

Zulum also directed the Directorate of Establishment to prepare a blueprint for new employment and recruitment across the state.

The blueprint will be based on identified workforce gaps and the need to recruit professionals in critical areas.

The latest measures reflect the administration’s efforts to address workers’ welfare, employment needs and outstanding financial obligations.

The decisions followed engagements with organised labour, highlighting the government’s continued consultation with workers’ representatives on issues affecting public servants.