By Mohammed Abubakar Dutse
On the occasion of the 2026 Workers’Day celebration in Dutse, Governor Umar Namadi has pledged to continue to implement policies that would enhance the welfare of civil servants in the state to promote productivity of workers.
The governor made pledge in a speech to mark this year’s workers Day at the Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi Durbar Ground in the state capital. But he solicited the support and cooperation of the civil servants in the with the government to enable it achieve its objectives.
Besides being one of the states with the high minimum wage impllentation the state government has raised a committee that is already working on the review of the Minimum Pension in the State for which a preliminary report has been submitted.
At the moment, the government was already studying the report to ensure that it does not place an excessive burden on our existing Contributory Pension Scheme, under which almost 84% of the over 21,000 pensioners in the State are being paid
“While historically, Labour Day is associated with the struggles of labour movements for fair working conditions, for us today, we commemorate this day not just to recognise workers’ rights and their achievements, but most importantly as a solidarity with the working class who sweat it daily for the sweetness of the entire population.
“On behalf of the government and people of Jigawa state, we all stand in solidarity with our workforce, whose enduring commitment and unwavering resilience have continued to contribute to the progress and prosperity of our State.
“This year’s celebration centres on a theme about “Insecurity and Poverty as the Bane of Decent Work.” It is undeniable that these two pressing challenges, directly or otherwise, impact every member of the Nigerian society. Addressing the issue of insecurity and poverty lies at the very core of the constitutional mandates of Governments at all levels.
“In this regard, I am pleased to say that this has been our preoccupation since assuming the mantle of leadership of our dear State.”
Namadi highlighted the some of the goodies his administration achieved for working population of the state, saying, “Right from the onset, our administration has steadily pursued a comprehensive 12-Point development agenda designed to ensure progress and lasting prosperity for the people of Jigawa State. Throughout this period, we remained focused on the attainment of this vision for Greater Jigawa.
“Topmost on this Agenda is the pursuit of an Agricultural Transformation Initiative, which prioritised achieving food security with significant contribution to economic diversification and providing sustainable means of livelihood for the vast majority of the population.
“Ultimately, at the heart of this transformative initiative is a crusade against poverty and all forms of insecurity.
“Beyond this, our administration has also focused on other key areas such as the development of critical infrastructure (including Roads, ICT Housing, and Administrative Structures like additional office blocks in the new State Secretariat), economic empowerment and youth employment, education, health, and social protection among others. Our success stories in all these areas are very glaring and unprecedented which I am glad were evev amplified on our behalf by the NLC Chairman.
“Alongside these, we have also pursued other targeted interventions focused on the revitalization of the State Civil Service as an Institution – which is the heart of governance and the engine room for public service delivery – as well as initiatives targeting improvements in the socioeconomic well-being of the civil servants as individuals with families to cater for.
“Today, we honor your hard work, determination, and dedication. I must say, your tireless efforts have been instrumental in advancing the State Government’s initiatives, fostering development, and improving the quality of life for our people.
” You have weathered challenges, embraced changes, and consistently demonstrated the spirit of unity, collaboration, and resilience that defines our State.
” The achievements we celebrate are part of the fruits of your labor, and they inspire us to build an even brighter future together.’
The governor remarked that over the past three years, his administration had advanced reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in our civil service, particularly through investing in capacity-building programmes, digital innovation, and professional development opportunities to empower the state workforce for the demands of modern governance.
“I recall in a single programme we delivered in partnership with KOICA, hundreds of civil servants were trained on key e-governance skills to enhance their performance, promote effective service delivery, and support data-driven decision-making.
“That initiative is a testament to our commitment to smarter and more efficient public service, where technology supports good governance by driving transparency, accountability, and improved citizen engagement.
“As part of our dedication to improving workers’ welfare, I am delighted to highlight several landmark achievements delivered over the past three years. We have stabilised the State Contributory Pension Scheme, which was on the verge of an imminent collapse when we came in, ensuring that our retirees receive their benefits promptly and securely.
“The informal embargo on unemployment across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies was lifted, allowing for significant recruitments that have brought new talent and energy into our civil service.
“While over 5,000 Staff were recruited on a permanent and pensionable basis, over 6,000 were engaged under various categories of J-Recruitments, including J-TEACH, J-HEALTH and J-AGROW. In addition, while almost 3,600 staff have enjoyed promotions after years of stagnation, we have also upgraded or placed almost 3,000 health workers who were previously on bonding into the State Payroll System.
“The special window created for civil servants under our agricultural transformation agenda has provided limitless opportunities for them to improve food security at the household level while also generating additional disposable income for their families.
‘In the first three phases of implementing the program,me over N5 billion was disbursed as revolving agricultural loans (in cash and kind) to over 17,700 beneficiaries (all Civil Servants). Also, available records indicate that over the last three years, over N4.2 billion was disbursed to about 13,000 Civil Servants as motor vehicle and motorcycle loans, which enables many of them to enhance their mobility and improve their quality of life.
“Already, the review and timely implementation of the Minimum Wage across all categories of Salary Structures, coupled with our commitment to the timely payment of salaries, pensions and other workers’ benefits, reflects our resolve to prioritise the welfare and well-being of our hard-working civil servants.”
Namadi pledged that his administration would continue to foster a safe and inclusive work environment where every worker’s rights are respected, and their voices are heard.
In his words, “We greatly value your recognition of our progress and achievements, including the full and timely implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, the recruitment of over 5,000 staff across all the MDAs particularly in the health and education sectors, the ongoing Workers Agricultural Loan Programme, the construction of nearly 1,000 housing units for workers, and the establishment of more than 700 Primary Healthcare Centres with midwife accommodation.
“These achievements underscore our commitment to the welfare of workers and indeed, the larger population in the State. We also remain committed to addressing all the concerns raised by the State NLC Chairman, particularly the need for the timely implementation of annual salary increments, pension reforms, and further inclusion in economic initiatives.
“Our continued partnership and open dialogue are vital to our shared progress, and we pledge to continue to work in collaboration with the organised labour to address concerns, enhance fairness, transparency, and prosperity for all workers in Jigawa State.”
He reiterated the fact that the state pension scheme was on the verge of total collapse about three years ago prompting the state government tostabilise it with an injection of over N4.0 billion, noting, “we must be careful in implementing any changes in a manner that maintains the scheme’s sustainability and secures the future welfare of our retirees.
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, we are confident that the minimum pension will be revised upward and implemented sooner rather than later, In Shaa Allah.
“Once this is dispensed with, the Committee will also focus on studying and advising the Government on the recommendations by the Revenue Mobilisation, Salaries and Fiscal Commission on review of the salary structure for Public and Political Office holders.”
“On the request regarding the adoption of Federal Circulars, reforms in education and institutions, workforce strengthening, and enhanced oversight of JICHMA and the Contributory Pension Scheme will be thoroughly reviewed and addressed as appropriate.
“As we appreciate your dedication and commitment to the implementation of government programmes and policies for both the present and future generations, we will continue to stand in solidarity with you, ensuring that our workforce remains empowered, motivated, and equipped to drive the progress and prosperity of Jigawa state.
“As we mark this year’s Workers’ Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to the progress of Jigawa by upholding the values of diligence, integrity, and solidarity.
‘With your steadfast support and dedication, the state government will continue to advance development, prosperity, and social justice for all. I urge you to remain patient and devoted in delivering efficient services, knowing that your efforts significantly contribute to the long-term advancement of our State and will be abundantly rewarded by Allah’s grace.”
