…..Organized Labour Chair Extols Gov Radda Workers-friendly Policies, Programmes
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has announced that his administration approved and released ₦45.89 billion to settle a backlog of gratuities and death benefits inherited from 2019, covering 14,560 beneficiaries across the state, local governments, and local education authorities.
The Governor made the disclosure on Friday at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina, where he outlined his administration’s achievements and reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of workers.
“This effort reflects our unwavering commitment to honouring those who have served our state diligently,” Radda said.
On salary payment, the Governor assured workers that his administration has maintained a consistent record of prompt payment, stressing that every worker in Katsina State receives their salary on or before the 25th of every month without interruption.
Governor Radda also announced improved remuneration for health workers, including a new salary structure and entry point for medical doctors, as well as enhanced hazard allowances, recognising their critical role in public health delivery.
On employment, the Governor listed fresh recruitments across key sectors, including 1,020 health workers under the State Primary Healthcare Agency, 724 human resources for health under the Hospital Services Management Board, and 179 first-class graduates from Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, among others.
He added that 3,814 officers received promotions across ministries, departments, and agencies between January and December 2025, describing prompt promotion as a cornerstone of his administration’s policy.
To reward excellence, Radda said his administration presented outstanding civil servants with Peugeot 206 cars and ₦2 million cash prizes each in 2024 and 2025.
“We believe hard work deserves recognition. This initiative is designed to motivate excellence and dedication within the service,” he said.
The Governor also disclosed that over 2,019 civil servants were sponsored for short-term training programmes locally and internationally within two years, while an approval was granted for a second batch of refurbishing loans to 1,182 beneficiaries to upgrade their vehicles and homes.
On agriculture, Radda said his administration procured and distributed 400 tractors, subsidised inputs, and deployed thousands of solar-powered irrigation pumps to support food production and drive the state’s agro-industrial transformation.
He also flagged the construction of three model smart schools in Radda, Jikamshi, and Dumurkul, the recruitment of 2,158 teachers, and a women empowerment programme targeting 14,450 female entrepreneurs across the state.
On youth development, the Governor said his administration disbursed ₦252 million to over 1,000 young entrepreneurs under the Building Your Future programme, pledging to recapitalise the initiative for committed beneficiaries.
Reflecting on the theme of this year’s celebration — Insecurity, Poverty-Bane of Decent Work — Radda described it as a call to action, urging workers and citizens to remain united and committed to the collective progress of Katsina State.
“Your sweat waters the fields of our prosperity. Your dedication builds the foundations of our future,” he told workers.
In his address, the Chairman of Organised Labour in Katsina State, Comrade Dr. Hussain Hamisu Yanduna, commended Governor Radda for his consistent commitment to workers’ welfare, describing his leadership as one that has restored dignity and confidence to the state’s workforce.
Yanduna particularly praised the administration’s decision to clear over ₦40 billion in gratuity backlogs owed to retirees, calling it a landmark act of justice.
“Gratuity is not a privilege but a rightful entitlement earned through years of sacrifice and commitment. Your administration’s resolve to clear this huge backlog demonstrates leadership that cares,” he said.
The labour chairman also commended the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, describing it as a clear testament to the administration’s respect for the dignity of labour and a genuine concern for the wellbeing of workers.
He applauded the establishment of the Community Watch Corps, which he said had significantly improved security across communities most affected by banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling, creating a safer environment for workers to carry out their daily activities.
Yanduna further lauded the introduction of the subsidised RUMBU SAUKI grain sales programme, which offers workers relief at a 10 per cent discount rate, describing it as a timely and responsive initiative that has helped cushion the effects of economic hardship.
On behalf of organised labour, he made three key demands — safety at worksites and transit corridors, immediate social protections to address the impact of inflation, and unity among unionists.
“If the worker is the engine of the state, you cannot leave the engine without oil,” he said.
The event was attended by the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; the Head of Service, Hon. Falalu Bawale; former Head of Service Usman Isyaku; and other critical stakeholders.
About The Author
