By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Against the wide spread bickering and speculations over distribution of palliative in Kaduna state, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state said the state Labour Unions participated in all their committees on distribution of palliatives.
The Governor who made the disclosure in an address during the 2024 May day celebration also said the state and labour Union have forged a strategic partnership to advance the interests of workers and improve the living conditions of the poor, vulnerable and underserved in Kaduna State.
According to Sani the theme of this year’s celebration putting, “People First” is apt, adding that development and Governance is all about the people.
He also acknowledged that the people must, at all times, be the center of development, stressing that Government exists to cater for the security and welfare of the people. If we remove the people from our calculations, government loses legitimacy and creates conditions for instability
“We have forged a strategic partnership with the Labour Unions to advance the interests of workers and improve the living conditions of the poor, vulnerable and underserved in Kaduna State.
“The Labour Unions have participated in all our committees on distribution of palliatives.
Sani said as part of our economic empowerment packages for Kaduna State civil servants, the state recently commenced the implementation of the N500 Million Revolving Loan Scheme.
“Other economic empowerment initiatives will soon be unfolded for workers in Kaduna State. We are attracting investments to create job opportunities for our citizens. We are training and retraining workers to put them in good stead to contribute effectively to the economic development of our dear state”, he stated.
The Governor visibly happy and excited, commended the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) under the leadership of Comrade Ayuba Magaji Suleiman for their commitment to social dialogue and their willingness to engage in constructive negotiations.
“Mr. Comrade Chairperson, your maturity and sense of responsibility have helped us navigate challenging times and find mutually beneficial solutions. I also commend my Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Comrade Adamu Samaila, for his tireless efforts and dedication to the welfare of workers.
“His advocacy for better working conditions, fair compensation, and social justice has been a beacon of hope for many in the Kaduna State workforce, which has produced a good relationship between labour and government.
“The Government under my leadership will continue to prioritize workers’ welfare and equip them appropriately within available resources, conscious of the fact that a committed and motivated workforce is critical to the achievement of our Rural
On transformation Agenda, he said “Human capital development and poverty reduction will continue to receive robust government attention through investment in education, health, agriculture, housing, micro, small and medium enterprises, as well as support to security agencies as they tacked terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other crimes.
He also said that Nigerian Governors, under the platform of the Nigeria Governors Forum are in consultation with the Labour Unions at the Federal and State levels, in order to come up with a decent and acceptable salary increase for state and local government workers.
“As your comrade and veteran of the struggle for better working conditions for Nigerian workers, I will not rest on my oars until we agree on a wage package that will put smiles on the faces of our workers..
Earlier, he said “For me as Governor of Kaduna State, this year’s May Day is of great significance for two reasons. This is the first May Day Celebration since I became the Governor of Kaduna State.
“Secondly, the State enjoyed industrial harmony throughout the year. I therefore salute you, the trade union leaders and members for your patriotism and understanding of the State’s precarious fiscal situation.
Also in his may day address, the chairperson of NLC Kaduna state council Ayuba Magaji Suleiman noted that the presence of Governor Sani underscores his true commitment to the welfare and well-being of the working populace, and expressed gratefulness for his support and collaboration in addressing the myriad challenges facing workers in the state.
He said “Comrades, the theme of this year’s International Workers’ Day celebration has been strategically chosen by the national leadership of the NLC and TUC, as a pointer to the government on the need to prioritize the issues and concerns of the people.
However, NLC noted that the National Economy there is no doubt that Nigerians, irrespective of sex, religion, political affiliation or age, are living witnesses to the indescribable hardship that has besieged them in recent months, (especially, since the famous declaration of “subsidy is gone” by Mr. President on the 29th May 2023).
“Pronouncement and policy that has resulted in the sharp drop in the quality of lives and living conditions.
“Indeed, we are living witnesses to the continued de-industrialization of our economy, with many companies shutting down their operations in the country due to the wide deficits in physical infrastructure, the free-fall of the naira against the dollars, and the continuous imposition and adoption of harsh neo-liberal policies by successive governments, which has succeeded in perpetually impoverishing and enslaving the masses.
“Comrades, we are living witnesses to the strangulating effects of inflation on not just our economy but on our survival. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (February, 2024), the inflation rate in the country has risen to 31.7%, and this has tremendously affected the purchasing power of the masses.
“The rising cost of living has eroded the purchasing power of workers, making it increasingly difficult to afford essential goods and services”, he said.
NLC, therefore called upon the government to implement measures aimed at mitigating inflationary pressures, including bolstering agricultural productivity, enhancing food security, and implementing targeted social protection programs to alleviate the burden on vulnerable households.
“Minimum Wage and Wage Award: The issue of minimum wage and wage awards are central to our discussion today.”, he added.
Recalled that a large number of the vulnerable indigenes in Kaduna state have recently declared in various radio fora that they’ve never received or benefited any government palliatives to the state under Governor Sani administration.
