From Abdullahi Idris, Dutse
Governor Umar Namadi, has joined workers across Jigawa State, to mark the 2026 Workers’ Day, using the occasion to reflect on ongoing reforms and to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers.
The celebration, held at the Muhammadu Sunusi Bello Durbar Ground in Dutse, brought together organised labour, government officials, and workers from across the state in a gathering that blended recognition with honest conversation about the road ahead.
Addressing the workers, Governor Namadi, spoke with a sense of appreciation, acknowledging their steady role in driving the state’s development.
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“Your resilience and commitment have continued to contribute to the progress and prosperity of our state,” he said.
The event was themed “Insecurity and Poverty as the Bane of Decent Work,” as the governor, said that both issues remain closely tied to the realities faced by workers and must be addressed deliberately.
“These are challenges that affect everyday life, and they require sustained attention from all of us.”
He pointed to the administration’s 12-point development agenda as the foundation for ongoing efforts, with particular emphasis on agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social protection.
“Topmost on this agenda is the pursuit of an agricultural transformation initiative, which prioritizes achieving food security with a significant contribution to economic diversification and providing sustainable means of livelihood for the vast majority of the population.
“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.”
Over the past three years, according to Governor Namadi, more than 5,000 workers have been recruited into the civil service, alongside over 6,000 engaged through targeted employment programmes, in addition to increased opportunities and interventions in the areas of promotions, welfare, and training.
He added that the state has taken steps to stabilise its contributory pension scheme and maintain regular payment of salaries and pensions, while also implementing the new minimum wage across all salary structures.
Governor Namadi assured the workers that the government remains open to dialogue and committed to addressing these issues.
“We value this partnership,” he said. “And we will continue to work together to ensure fairness, transparency, and progress for all workers.”
He urged workers to remain committed to their duties while assuring them of continued government support.
“We will continue to stand in solidarity with you. Together, we will keep building a stronger and more prosperous Jigawa.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Comrade Sunusi Alhassan, commended the government for what he described as tangible progress in workers’ welfare.
He cited the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, large-scale recruitment, the workers’ agricultural loan programme, housing initiatives, and expanded healthcare services as key achievements.
“These efforts are not only visible—they are impactful, meaningful, and deeply appreciated by workers across Jigawa State,” he said.
Also speaking through a representative, the Federal Government emphasised the importance of tackling poverty and insecurity as key barriers to decent work, outlining ongoing national efforts to improve workplace safety, expand social protection, and support skills development.
