Today, May 1st, 2024, marks Workers’ Day in Nigeria, a significant day for laborers across the nation. In Zamfara state, anticipation ran high as workers eagerly awaited Governor Dauda Lawal’s address, hoping for resolutions to long-standing issues.
The workers in Zamfara have faced challenges since 2011 when former Governor Abdulaziz Yari refused to implement the salary increase mandated by then-President Goodluck Jonathan, which raised the minimum wage from ₦6,500 to ₦18,000. When Yari eventually agreed to the raise, he implemented it in a flawed manner, excluding workers already earning above ₦18,000, this increment as well excluded local government workers and primary school teachers, they are still receiving ₦6,500 as minimum wage.
This disparity in wages left Zamfara state workers among the lowest-paid in Nigeria. In response, during the 2019 election, workers united against Yari and his preferred successor, ultimately leading to the election of Governor Matawalle. However, Matawalle continued Yari’s policies, prompting further opposition from workers in 2023.
Today, with Dauda Lawal assuming office, there was hope for change. However, Governor Dauda’s speech did not address the salary increase, leaving workers disappointed. He did promise surprises and expressed gratitude to the labor union for their patience. He also vowed that any new plans regarding workers’ welfare would be executed transparently, without bribery or favoritism, and warned of consequences for those engaging in such practices.
The workers of Zamfara remain optimistic that Governor Dauda will fulfill his promises and bring about the change they desperately seek.
As Zamfara civil servants placing their hopes on Governor Dauda to uphold their rights and fulfill promises of salary increases mandated by the federal government. This optimism stems from a desire to avoid a repetition of past grievances, particularly regarding former Governor Yari’s administration, which was marred by alleged mismanagement of funds and neglect of worker welfare.
However, recent actions by Governor Dauda have stirred uncertainty among civil servants. Despite expectations of timely implementation, Dauda’s refusal to honor a federal government-approved wage award spanning six months, intended to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal, has left many disillusioned. This unexpected decision has sowed doubt among workers, who now question Dauda’s commitment to their welfare.
While comparisons to previous administrations are inevitable, many believe that Dauda’s leadership style differs significantly from his predecessors’. Unlike the perceived heartlessness and greed associated with some politicians, Dauda is seen as a more empathetic and conscientious figure. Yet, his recent actions have challenged this perception, prompting concerns about his approach to governance and adherence to promises made to the workforce.
The looming question now is how civil servants will respond if Dauda fails to deliver on their expectations. Unlike the confrontations witnessed during the tenures of Yari and Matawalle, there is skepticism about whether opposition will manifest in a similar manner. The perception of Dauda as a leader of a different mold suggests that civil servants may opt for alternative avenues to address their grievances, such as dialogue and advocacy.
Nevertheless, the stakes remain high, and the fate of Zamfara’s civil service hangs in the balance. As Dauda navigates the challenges of governance, the expectations of civil servants serve as a litmus test for his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and worker welfare. Only time will tell whether Dauda can live up to the hopes vested in him by Zamfara’s workforce or face the consequences of falling short.
