Governor of Kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani has said that his administration will continue to prioritise workers’ welfare and equip them appropriately within available resources.
In his address marking workers day on Wednesday at the Murtala Square, Kaduna, Sani said his government is training and retraining workers to put them in good stead to contribute effectively to the economic development of Kaduna state.
SanI disclosed that as part of economic empowerment packages for Kaduna state civil servants, the government recently commenced the implementation of N500m revolving loan scheme for workers.
According to him, a strategic partnership with the Labour unions has been initiated to advance the interests of workers and improve the living conditions of the poor and vulnerable.
Sani described this year’s theme for the celebration – ‘People First’- as apt, noting that development is about the people.
According to the governor, “Government is about the people, the people must, at all times, be the centre of development. 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.
“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.”
Speaking further, Sani said, “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.
“As part of our economic empowerment packages for Kaduna State civil servants, we recently commenced the implementation of the N500 Million Revolving Loan Scheme.”
According to him, other economic empowerment initiatives will soon be unfolded for workers in the 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”, the governor said.
He commended labour leaders in the state for their commitment to social dialogue and their willingness to engage in constructive negotiations.
“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
“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 tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
“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”, Sani said.
