By Hussaina Yakubu
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has described workers as “partners in progress,” reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with organised labour to drive development.
Sani made the remarks on Friday at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at Murtala Square, where he also highlighted key initiatives aimed at easing the burden on workers.
He disclosed that the Kaduna Light Rail Project, recently approved by the Federal Executive Council, would complement ongoing efforts to improve transportation in the state.
The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the project, noting that it comes at a time when workers are grappling with economic pressures following subsidy reforms.
“Our relationship with organised labour has been constructive, and we remain committed to sustaining this partnership through dialogue and cooperation,” he said.
Sani explained that his administration had introduced a free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus service to cushion transportation costs.
According to him, 100 buses deployed under the scheme have served more than 1.5 million in nine months, saving an estimated ₦1.4 billion in transport expenses.
He added that the proposed light rail system would complement the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network and significantly enhance urban mobility through safe, reliable, and affordable transport services.
The governor acknowledged past challenges and their impact on livelihoods and public service delivery, stressing the need for policies that consider human consequences.
On workers’ welfare, Sani said his administration had prioritised retirees, revealing that with the recent release of ₦4.28 billion, total payments for pensions, gratuities, and death benefits had reached ₦17.79 billion, benefiting over 8,300 .
“This reflects our commitment to honouring those who have served our state,” he said.
In the health sector, the governor said 15 per cent of the 2026 budget was allocated to health, leading to the upgrade of 255 primary healthcare centres and the establishment of 23 centres of excellence, including a 300-bed specialist hospital.
He added that 15 general hospitals had been upgraded, while welfare improvements for health workers were implemented through CONHESS and CONMESS salary structures.
Sani also outlined achievements in the education sector, including the construction of 736 classrooms, renovation of over 1,200 classrooms, recruitment of 10,000 teachers, and training of more than 33,000 personnel.
He said 62 new secondary schools had been completed, with 50 more under construction, alongside 102 new schools and renovation of 170 others under the out-of-school children programme.
The governor further stated that nearly 150 road projects covering over 1,345 kilometres had been executed to boost connectivity, trade, and economic growth.
He noted that peace building efforts had restored stability in parts of the state, including Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Kajuru, and Igabi, enabling farmers to return to their fields.
“These achievements are the result of collective effort. Workers remain central to the implementation of government policies and programmes,” he said, while acknowledging constraints posed by limited resources and rising demands.
In his remarks, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman in the state, Ayuba Magaji Suleiman, commended the government for initiatives such as the free transport scheme, resumption of the Teachers Endwell Scheme, and the reabsorption of Kaduna State Water Corporation workers into the payroll.
He also lauded the administration for paying over ₦17.7 billion in pension and retirement benefits, as well as implementing the new minimum wage.
However, he appealed to the government to effect consequential adjustments for senior civil servants.(NAN)
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