By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse Governor Umar Namadi has joined workers across Jigawa State to mark the 2026 Workers’ Day, using the o...
By 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 reaffirm his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
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 frank discussions about the challenges ahead.
Addressing the workers, Governor Namadi expressed appreciation for their contributions, acknowledging their steady role in driving the state’s development.
“Your resilience and commitment have continued to contribute to the progress and prosperity of our state,” he said.
The event, themed “Insecurity and Poverty as the Bane of Decent Work,” highlighted issues the governor said remain closely tied to the realities faced by workers and require deliberate action.
“These are challenges that affect everyday life, and they require sustained attention from all of us,” he added.
Governor Namadi pointed to the administration’s 12-point development agenda as the foundation for ongoing efforts, with emphasis on agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social protection.
“Topmost on this agenda is the pursuit of an agricultural transformation initiative, which prioritises achieving food security, contributes to economic diversification, and provides sustainable livelihoods for the majority of the population,” he said.
“Beyond this, our administration has also focused on 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—alongside economic empowerment, youth employment, education, health, and social protection.”
Over the past three years, he said, more than 5,000 workers have been recruited into the civil service, with over 6,000 others engaged through targeted employment programmes. He added that opportunities have also expanded in promotions, welfare, and training.
The governor noted that the state has taken steps to stabilise its contributory pension scheme, ensure regular payment of salaries and pensions, and implement the new minimum wage across all salary structures.
He assured workers of the government’s openness to dialogue and commitment to addressing their concerns.
“We value this partnership,” he said. “We will continue to work together to ensure fairness, transparency, and progress for all workers.”
Governor Namadi urged workers to remain dedicated 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 State,” he said.
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 need to tackle poverty and insecurity as major barriers to decent work, outlining ongoing national efforts to improve workplace safety, expand social protection, and support skills development.
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