GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KATSINA
PRESS RELEASE
Pledges to Prioritize Workers Well-being on IWD 2025
We do not take this effort for granted - Organized Labour Declares Support for KTSG'S Workers Friendly Initiatives
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has declared tomorrow a public holiday to enable civil servants participate in welcoming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the state for the commissioning of key projects completed by the administration.
Governor Radda made this announcement during his address at the 2025 International Workers' Day celebration by the Organized Labour, Katsina State Council.
"I am pleased to inform you that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be visiting Katsina State tomorrow to commission several key projects we have completed over the past two years. In light of this, I hereby declare tomorrow a work-free day, so that civil servants can join us in giving the President a warm and honorable welcome," the Governor stated.
Addressing this year's theme, "Reclaiming the Civic Space Amid Economic Hardship," Governor Radda commended Katsina workers for their dedication and commitment to service despite challenging times.
"I stand here today not just as your Governor, but as a fellow citizen who deeply values the sacrifices of our civil servants — the unsung heroes who keep our government running smoothly, day in and day out," the Governor said.
The Governor also outlined his administration's achievements in improving workers' welfare, including timely payment of salaries, extensive training programs, transparent recruitment processes, office infrastructure upgrades, and implementation of contributory pension schemes.
"From the very beginning, our government has made prompt and regular salary payment a top priority. We have worked diligently to stabilize our revenue base and reform our financial system to ensure workers are paid on time and in full. Today, I can say confidently that there are no salary backlogs," Governor Radda emphasized.
He also announced that payment for all outstanding salaries of local government workers was approved over a month ago and directed the Head of Civil Service to urgently investigate and resolve any remaining delays.
Governor Radda called on civil servants to embrace accountability and patriotism in their duties, "Dear civil servants, you are not just government employees. You are change agents, drivers of transformation, and custodians of public trust. Our vision for a better Katsina depends heavily on your dedication, discipline, and sense of duty."
The Governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to justice, equity, and fairness in all employment-related matters, stating that "the true measure of any government's success is the happiness and well-being of its people — especially those who serve in public institutions every day."
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman Nigerian Labour Congress and Chairman Organized Labour Katsina State Council, Comr. (Dr.) Hussaini Hamisu Yanduna, expressed appreciation over Governor Radda commitment to enhancing security across Katsina State. The significant improvement in peace and stability empowers workers to perform their duties without fear. Security remains fundamental to productivity and economic growth.
Dr. Yanduna also commended the implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, describing it as a demonstration of collective dedication to workers' welfare and recognizes vital contributions to state development.
"We commend the promotion of local government employees to Grade Level 16, improving upon the previous terminal point of Grade Level 15. This development deserves applause. We further request extending this progression opportunity to state civil servants, allowing advancement to Grade Level 17 instead of terminating at Grade Level 16," Dr. Yanduna appealed.
Yanduna continued, stating, "We do not take this effort for granted and we pledge to support initiatives that promote the prosperity of our state. We stand firmly to support these visions and we assure you that workers will always recognize and appreciate a leader who prioritizes their welfare."
The Chairman particularly called the Government attention to the critical healthcare shortages, stating, "Over 4,000 health workers have retired without replacement, severely compromising service delivery particularly at primary healthcare levels."
"We urge Your Excellency to apply the same employment method practiced at the State Primary Universal Education Board to address this crisis," Dr. Yanduna concluded.
The celebration was attended by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; Chief Judge of Katsina State, Hon. Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar, Members of the State Executive Council, Members of the State House of Assembly, Leaders and Secretaries of Organized Labour and Union Leaders.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
1st May, 2025
