The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has pledged renewed commitment to workers’ welfare, pension settlement, and civil service reforms as Nigeria joined the global community to mark Workers’ Day.
Speaking during the May Day celebration in Kano, the governor said his administration remains determined to ensure fairness and dignity for both serving workers and retirees, stressing that the government is prioritising the clearance of outstanding pension obligations.
“It is in the interest of equity and fairness that we are able to settle all debt obligations to our retirees who have served the state faithfully,” he said.
“This administration is committed to upholding the rights and dignity of workers.”
He noted that the state has maintained consistent salary payments and implemented what he described as a progressive wage policy, stating that Kano is among the first states to adopt the new minimum wage structure of N71,000.
According to him, the policy reflects a response to prevailing economic pressures on workers and a broader effort to improve living standards.
“We have maintained prompt and full payment of salaries and taken bold steps to improve workers’ welfare,” he said.
The governor also highlighted institutional reforms within the civil service, including the establishment of the Local Government Service Commission, which he said has strengthened career progression and harmonised standards across the public sector.
On retirement benefits, he disclosed that the minimum pension in the state has been increased from N5,000 to N20,000, describing the move as a significant intervention to improve the welfare of senior citizens.
“We have demonstrated our commitment not only in words but through concrete action,” he added.
He further outlined ongoing capacity-building programmes for civil servants, including training in information technology, artificial intelligence, financial management, anti-corruption practices, and leadership development.
The governor said initiatives such as pre-retirement training and professional development workshops are designed to prepare workers for life after service while strengthening efficiency in governance.
“Our goal is to build a competent, modern, and forward-looking civil service that meets the demands of today’s governance,” he said.
The May Day event in Kano featured workers’ representatives, labour leaders, and government officials who commended ongoing reforms while calling for sustained implementation.