Yobe Civil Servants Demand Restoration of Leave Grants and Full Overhead Costs Amid Economic Hardship
Civil servants in Yobe State have issued a unified call for the state government to reinstate the annual leave grant for workers and restore 100 percent overhead cost allocations to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The demand, made during the joint May Day rally organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Damaturu, highlights growing financial pressures on public sector employees and the operational challenges facing government institutions.
Background: The Suspension of Leave Grants and Overhead Cuts
Mukhtar Tarbutu, the Yobe State Chairman of the NLC, articulated the workers’ grievances during the rally, which began with a road walk through Damaturu and culminated at the office of the state Head of Service (HoS), Abdullahi Shehu. According to Tarbutu, the payment of annual leave grants—a standard benefit intended to support workers during their statutory leave periods—was suspended without any clear or cogent justification. Simultaneously, overhead costs for MDAs were arbitrarily slashed by 50 percent, severely hampering their ability to function effectively.
This dual reduction has created a compounding effect: workers face personal financial strain from the loss of leave grants, while MDAs struggle to cover basic operational expenses such as utilities, maintenance, and office supplies. The situation is particularly acute in a state where public service remains a primary employer and economic driver.
Economic Realities Driving the Demand for Increased Allowances
Tarbutu further called on the government to increase furniture allowance by 100 percent, aligning it with current economic realities. He emphasized that the rising cost of goods and services—driven by national inflation, currency devaluation, and supply chain disruptions—has eroded the purchasing power of existing allowances. “The current increasing cost of goods and services requires an urgent upward review of allowances,” Tarbutu stated. “This demand is necessitated by current market forces and the state of our national economy. An upward review of 100 percent to the furniture allowance will make the needed impact to beneficiaries in government.”
For context, furniture allowances are typically provided to help civil servants furnish their homes, a significant expense that has become even more burdensome as prices for furniture and household items have surged. Without adjustment, the allowance no longer serves its intended purpose, leaving workers to either forgo essential purchases or dip into personal savings.
Broader Structural Demands: Health and Paramilitary Salary Structures
Beyond allowances, the NLC chairman reiterated the need for an upward review of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which governs the pay of health workers in the state. He also called for the full implementation of the Paramilitary Salary Structure for the state Fire Service and Road Traffic Agency. These demands reflect a broader push for equitable compensation across all sectors of the civil service, particularly for workers in high-risk or essential roles.
Health workers, for instance, have faced increased workloads and risks since the COVID-19 pandemic, yet their salary structure has not kept pace with inflation or the demands of their profession. Similarly, paramilitary personnel—such as firefighters and traffic officers—often work in hazardous conditions and deserve a pay structure that reflects their unique responsibilities.
Government Acknowledges Workers’ Contributions, Promises Action
Despite the grievances, Tarbutu acknowledged several positive steps taken by the Yobe State Government under Governor Mai Mala Buni. These include the implementation of the new national minimum wage, a massive recruitment drive into the state civil service, a 20 percent subsidized motorcycle loan scheme, and sponsorship of capacity-building programs for workers. These initiatives have provided some relief and demonstrate the government’s willingness to invest in its workforce.
Addressing the workers, Head of Service Abdullahi Shehu—represented by Permanent Secretary Alhaji Hamidu Babi—noted that it is imperative for every government to support workers and enhance their welfare for effective service delivery. He reaffirmed Governor Buni’s commitment to training and retraining workers at all levels, from permanent secretaries down to messengers. Babi assured the NLC that the union’s demands would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
Practical Implications and Next Steps
For civil servants in Yobe, the outcome of these demands will have direct implications on their financial well-being and the quality of public services. If the government restores leave grants and overhead costs, it could boost morale and operational efficiency. Conversely, failure to act may lead to further discontent and potential disruptions in service delivery.
Workers and their families are advised to stay engaged with union activities and monitor government announcements. For those seeking to understand their entitlements, the NLC and TUC offices in Damaturu can provide guidance on leave grants, allowances, and salary structures. Additionally, civil servants should document any instances of non-payment or reduction in benefits to support future negotiations.
Conclusion: A Call for Sustainable Reform
The May Day rally in Yobe underscores a critical moment for labor relations in the state. While the government has made commendable strides in recruitment and capacity building, the suspension of leave grants and cuts to overhead costs threaten to undermine these gains. A comprehensive review of allowances and salary structures, aligned with economic realities, is not just a demand but a necessity for a motivated and effective civil service.
As the state government considers the NLC’s proposals, it must balance fiscal constraints with the need to retain talent and ensure public services run smoothly. For now, workers wait—and hope—that their voices have been heard.
This article is based on reporting from the Daily Nigerian. For more information, read the original source.