From Shuaibu Zubair Tatu, Birnin Kebbi
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kebbi State Council, has defended the workers’ welfare record of the administration of Governor Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, saying the government has demonstrated sustained commitment to the interests, welfare and conditions of service of workers in the state.
The State NLC Chairman, Alhaji Murtala Usman, stated this while briefing newsmen yesterday in Birnin Kebbi in reaction to the Independence Day address delivered by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Abubakar Malami, SAN.
Usman acknowledged the commitments contained in Malami’s address, including proposals on minimum wage, promotions, pensions and gratuities, transportation, healthcare, housing, retirement age and workers’ participation in governance.
He, however, said the union could not accept sweeping allegations suggesting that Kebbi workers were generally suffering because the state government had failed to pay pensions, implement promotions or unlawfully deduct workers’ salaries.
The NLC chairman stressed that trade unionism was founded on facts, evidence, negotiation, collective action where necessary and institutional engagement, rather than unverified political claims.
“Trade unionism is not conducted through rumour. It is conducted through evidence, negotiation, collective action where necessary, and institutional engagement,” he said.
Usman said the NLC had maintained continuous engagement with the Kebbi State Government since Governor Nasir Idris assumed office in 2023 on issues affecting workers and their conditions of service.
According to him, the engagement has been conducted through collective bargaining, social dialogue, consultation and negotiated settlement of industrial disputes.
He explained that the union had consistently presented workers’ demands to government, with several issues already addressed, while others remained subjects of ongoing discussion and negotiation.
Usman said the state government had approved and implemented a minimum wage of N75,000, which he noted was above the then N70,000 national minimum wage benchmark.
He described the implementation as a significant response to workers’ demands, while stressing that it did not mean the struggle for improved welfare, purchasing power and better conditions of service had ended.
