Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, has issued a directive for the immediate disbursement of annual leave grants to all categories of workers in the state.
This directive was conveyed during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Kebbi chapter, to the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.
In the presence of the union leaders, the governor signed the order and mandated that the payments commence on the following Wednesday. He emphasized that all State, Local Government, and Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) employees must receive a uniform 10% of their annual pay as leave grants.
Governor Idris expressed his concern, acknowledging that previous administrations had allocated seven to eight percent to certain worker categories while only a few received the full 10%.
Regarding palliative measures, Governor Idris acknowledged the prevailing hardship and assured the union that he is part of a presidential committee that has devised strategies to mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
He disclosed that the state had already received N2 billion out of the promised N5 billion from the Federal Government. Additionally, he guaranteed that Kebbi and its 21 Local Government Councils would contribute between N3.5 billion and N4 billion to purchase grains for distribution to offset the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
He assured the NLC that they would receive their fair share separately for distribution to their members, emphasizing that his administration is committed to their welfare.
Governor Idris reminded the workers that his government has initiated projects that directly benefit the common people and is currently working on enhancing the state capital’s appearance to match other state capitals in the country.
He also disclosed ongoing discussions with Innoson Motors Nigeria Ltd. for vehicle procurement to subsidize transportation costs in the state.
The NLC Chairman in Kebbi, Alhaji Murtala Usman, confirmed that they visited the Government House to update the governor on union-related matters amid a nationwide strike.
He mentioned that the state government had engaged in discussions with the union leadership under the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
Usman emphasized the importance of the government exploring options to reduce workdays due to subsidy removal while creating alternative solutions to alleviate workers’ challenges.
The labor leader commended Governor Idris for initiating various development projects aimed at transforming the state and encouraged him to sustain these efforts for the collective welfare of all citizens.
