MORE THAN PROMISES: THE TANGIBLE TRANSFORMATION OF TARABA NULGE
Mohammed Tikka
Development is often described as a journey from a less desirable stage to a better one. That belief has guided Comrade Wakili Baji Damuga, President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Taraba State chapter, as he marks one year and five months in office. During a recent inspection of ongoing and completed projects, Comrade Damuga, addressed the press, not only to highlight achievements but also to respond to recent allegations claiming that the union has been shortchanging its members.
He dismissed the claims as baseless, reaffirming the union’s dedication to fairness, accountability, and growth. “We remain accountable to our members, and our track record speaks for itself,” Damuga stated. He also expressed profound gratitude to his predecessors and mentors whose foundational efforts, he said, have made current successes possible.
Since taking office, Comrade Damuga and his team have recorded several notable achievements, especially in the areas of infrastructure, transportation, employment, internal elections, and member welfare.
A major hallmark of the Damuga-led administration has been its aggressive investment in infrastructure. Chief among these projects is the complete renovation and upgrading of the state NULGE secretariat a strategic move to enhance administrative efficiency and create a more professional environment for union activities.
Complementing this is the Naphtali Kefas (JP) Memorial Hotel, now at 95% completion, situated in Jalingo. Once completed, it will serve as a commercial venture and a source of revenue for the union, as well as a legacy project for future generations.
Another major project nearing the finish line is the state-of-the-art event center, boasting over 2,000 seating capacity. This center, which was inherited from the previous administration, is now 97% complete and is scheduled for commissioning in October 2025, by the grace of God. To safeguard these assets, full perimeter fencing has been installed around both the secretariat and the event center a proactive measure ensuring both security and longevity.
In the area of logistics and transport, the union purchased a brand new 18-seater bus to replace the one tragically lost in an accident in 2024, which claimed the lives of several dedicated members while on official duty. Additionally, a new four-bay Hilux vehicle was procured to enhance administrative efficiency, in line with the union’s constitutional duties.
To meet increasing operational demands, the union expanded its human resources base. Two security personnel and two cleaners were employed to manage and maintain the new infrastructure. A media aide was also engaged to ensure that union activities are well-documented and effectively communicated to both members and the public.
This strategic staffing reflects a growing recognition of the importance of communication and upkeep in modern union administration.
In a bid to uphold democratic principles and internal accountability, the Damuga-led leadership conducted free, fair, and credible elections across various Local Government Councils where leadership tenures had expired. While elections have been successfully concluded in the majority of the LGAs, only four councils are left, and according to the president, these will be covered in due course.
The conduct of these elections not only reinforced internal union democracy but also helped to reposition the local branches as effective platforms for grassroots engagement.
Arguably one of the most appreciated initiatives of the current administration has been its proactive approach to member welfare. In response to the country’s challenging economic conditions, the union has revised its welfare packages for retirees and the families of deceased members not once, but twice.
Initially, the union provided N50,000 to the families of deceased members and N80,000 to retirees. These figures were first increased to N80,000 and N100,000, respectively. In a more recent move, both categories now receive a flat rate of N200,000 each, a testament to the union’s empathy and responsiveness to the realities facing its members.
So far, a total of 758 beneficiaries have received these enhanced welfare payments offering a vital safety net during what is often a vulnerable period in their lives.
Damuga, also acknowledged the supportive role of state authorities in enabling the union’s work. He extended appreciation to the Executive Governor of Taraba State for implementing the 30% and 70% minimum wage structure, which has helped improve the income base of local government workers.
He also commended the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs for its consistency in ensuring prompt salary payments a development that has strengthened morale and reduced tension among workers.
“We are not here to start from scratch but to build on the strong foundation laid by those who came before us. With God’s help and the support of our members, we will continue to grow and serve faithfully, because I strongly believe in continuety,” he concluded.
As the administration looks ahead, it does so not just with ambition, but with a steady hand and a clear commitment to leaving behind a stronger, more resilient union. The journey may be far from over, but the strides already taken have laid a foundation that will stand the test of time.
