INSECURITY, POVERTY: GOV IDRIS CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION AT WORKERS’ DAY IN KEBBI
By Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu), has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare, inclusive governance, and sustained socio-economic development, as the state joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 International Workers’ Day.
Speaking at the colourful May Day celebration held at the Haliru Abdu Stadium, Birnin Kebbi, on Friday, the Governor expressed delight at honoring the invitation of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), describing himself as a proud member of the labour movement with a long-standing progressive tradition.
Governor Idris commended the resilience and sacrifices of workers, acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping governance and national development.
He noted that the 2026 theme, “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” aptly reflects the realities confronting workers and requires collective action.
The Governor reiterated that his administration places high premium on workers’ welfare, emphasizing that payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities is a responsibility, not a burden.
He disclosed that over ₦10 billion has been paid as gratuities to retirees, alongside consistent payment of salaries and clearance of inherited backlogs.
Highlighting key achievements, Governor Idris stated that the administration has sponsored workers for training and capacity building programmes, employed over 2,000 professional teachers, appointed 29 Permanent Secretaries to strengthen the civil service, and provided 500 houses to workers at subsidized rates.
In the health sector, he revealed that more than 2,200 health workers have been employed, while over 22 General Hospitals, 179 Primary Health Centres, and 63 dispensaries have been renovated to improve healthcare delivery.
He added that the administration has completely eliminated casualisation in the state civil service.
On security, the Governor assured that his government remains resolute in tackling insecurity through sustained support to security agencies with logistics and operational resources, while also promoting gender inclusion with the appointment of women into key leadership positions.
Governor Idris further emphasized his administration’s economic strides, particularly the implementation of a ₦75,000 minimum wage since October 2024, noting that Kebbi remains among the few states consistently paying full salaries and entitlements without delay.
He assured workers of continued collaboration with organized labour, stating that his administration remains open to dialogue and committed to policies that enhance productivity, dignity, and welfare of workers.
In his welcome address, the Kebbi State NLC Chairman, Comrade Murtala Usman, described May Day as a historic platform to recognize workers’ contributions and reflect on prevailing challenges.
He identified insecurity and poverty as major threats to decent work, urging stakeholders to adopt proactive and collaborative measures to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
The NLC Chairman commended Governor Idris for his worker-friendly policies, including prompt salary payments, implementation of the minimum wage, settlement of retirement benefits, employment across key sectors, provision of affordable housing, and the introduction of the state mass transit scheme to ease transportation challenges.
He also acknowledged the administration’s investments in healthcare and infrastructure, as well as improvements in security, which have enhanced workers’ confidence and productivity across the state.
The event featured a colourful march past by workers, unions, and associations, alongside impressive displays by the State Fire Service.
Highlight of the celebration was the presentation of Awards of Excellence by the NLC and TUC to Governor Nasir Idris in recognition of his outstanding commitment to workers’ welfare.
Similar awards were presented to the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida Alhaji Sufiyanu Garba Bena, a former Head of Service, as well as State Chairmen of NLC and TUC .
The celebration concluded with renewed calls for unity, sustained dialogue, and collective efforts toward addressing insecurity and poverty to ensure decent work for all.
Signed:
Yahaya Sarki
Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity
to the Governor of Kebbi State
1/5/ 2026
