By John Bassey, Kebbi
The Kebbi State Governor, His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, has expressed delight over what he described as the prevailing industrial harmony in the state and urged organised labour to sustain the momentum.
Addressing workers at the Haliru Abdu Stadium in Birnin Kebbi during the 2026 May Day celebration on Friday, the governor assured labour unions of improved welfare.
The theme of this year’s Workers’ Day is: “Insecurity and Poverty: Bane of Decent Work.”
Governor Idris recalled his background in the labour movement, emphasising that workers remain a critical component of policy formulation and implementation.
He further assured that his administration would continue to prioritise inclusive governance.
The governor stated that his government would not only ensure the prompt payment of salaries but also guarantee that all workers’ entitlements are paid as and when due.
He added that training and retraining of workers would be given priority to boost morale across the state workforce.
Highlighting some achievements, Governor Idris disclosed that the government had distributed 500 housing units to enhance workers’ welfare, recruited over 2,200 health workers, and employed 2,000 teachers.
He further noted that the state had revitalised 22 general hospitals, 179 primary healthcare centres, and 63 dispensaries to improve service delivery, adding that efforts were ongoing to achieve universal healthcare coverage.
To promote gender inclusion in governance, the governor said the administration had appointed five female permanent secretaries.
On the issue of minimum wage, Governor Idris expressed satisfaction that his government had been implementing a new minimum wage of N75,000, above the Federal Government’s N70,000—since October 2024.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kebbi State, Mr Murtala Usman, observed that persistent insecurity in the country continues to undermine workers’ welfare.
He, however, acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“At the state level, we also commend the efforts of Governor Nasir Idris, particularly in addressing workers’ challenges,” he said.
Usman lauded the governor for the effective implementation of the new minimum wage, noting that it has significantly improved workers’ livelihoods.
He also cited other interventions by the state government, including the prompt payment of salaries, gratuities, pensions, and death benefits.
The labour leader further commended the governor for the successful completion of the multi-billion-naira ultra-modern state secretariat named after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the relocation of workers to the facility.
“We must also commend your efforts in establishing the state mass transit scheme with 50 buses and employing 100 drivers,” he added.
The chairman also highlighted the employment of over 1,000 workers to address understaffing, noting that organised labour remains committed to sustaining industrial harmony, discipline, and productivity in the state workforce.
