By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria — May 1, 2026(Series News Online)- Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, inclusive governance, and socio-economic development as the state marked the 2026 International Workers’ Day.
The governor spoke on Friday at the May Day celebration held at Haliru Abdu Stadium, Birnin Kebbi, where he joined members of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.
Addressing workers at the event, Governor Idris described himself as a proud member of the labour movement and commended workers for their resilience and sacrifices.
“I am delighted to honour the invitation of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress. I am a proud member of the labour movement with a long-standing progressive tradition,” he said.
He acknowledged the pivotal role of workers in shaping governance and national development, noting that the 2026 theme, “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” reflects the realities confronting the workforce.
“This theme aptly reflects the realities confronting workers and requires collective action,” the governor stated.
Governor Idris stressed that his administration considers the payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities a responsibility, not a burden.
He disclosed that more than N10 billion had been paid as gratuities to retirees, in addition to consistent salary payments and the clearance of inherited backlogs.
“We have paid over N10 billion as gratuities to retirees, alongside consistent payment of salaries and clearance of inherited backlogs,” he said.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, the governor said the state had sponsored workers for training and capacity-building programmes, employed over 2,000 professional teachers, and appointed 29 permanent secretaries to strengthen the civil service.
He added that 500 houses had been provided to workers at subsidized rates to ease accommodation challenges.
In the health sector, Governor Idris revealed that more than 2,200 health workers had been employed, while 22 general hospitals, 179 primary health centres, and 63 dispensaries had been renovated to improve healthcare delivery.
He also announced that his administration had completely eliminated casualisation in the state civil service.
“We have completely eliminated casualisation in the state civil service,” he said.
On security, the governor assured that his government would continue to support security agencies with logistics and operational resources to tackle insecurity.
He further noted that the administration had promoted gender inclusion through the appointment of women into key leadership positions.
Governor Idris pointed to the implementation of a N75,000 minimum wage since October 2024 as evidence of his administration’s economic strides.
He said Kebbi remains among the few states that pay full salaries and entitlements without delay.
“Kebbi remains among the few states consistently paying full salaries and entitlements without delay,” he stated.
The governor assured workers of continued collaboration with organized labour and pledged openness to dialogue on policies that enhance productivity, dignity, and welfare.
“My administration remains open to dialogue and committed to policies that enhance productivity, dignity, and welfare of workers,” he said.
Earlier 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 and urged stakeholders to adopt proactive and collaborative measures to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
“Insecurity and poverty are major threats to decent work. We must adopt proactive and collaborative measures to safeguard lives and livelihoods,” Usman said.
The NLC chairman commended Governor Idris for his worker-friendly policies, including prompt salary payments, implementation of the minimum wage, settlement of retirement benefits, and employment across key sectors.
He also acknowledged the administration’s investments in healthcare, infrastructure, and security, which he said had enhanced workers’ confidence and productivity.
The event featured a colourful march past by workers, unions, and associations, alongside displays by the State Fire Service.
A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of Awards of Excellence by the NLC and TUC to Governor Idris for his commitment to workers’ welfare.
Similar awards were presented to the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida; former Head of Service, Alhaji Sufiyanu Garba Bena; and the state chairmen of NLC and TUC.
The celebration concluded with renewed calls for unity, sustained dialogue, and collective efforts to address insecurity and poverty to ensure decent work for all.
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2026: Workers Day