By: Jabiru Hassan.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano has felicitated with workers in the State and across Nigeria on the occasion of the 2025 International Workers’ Day, describing the labour force as the backbone of democratic governance, national development, and societal progress.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Thursday.
In a landmark address delivered at the May Day celebration in Kano, Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare, unveiling a series of bold initiatives aimed at enhancing working conditions, boosting morale, and positioning Kano as a model of labour-conscious governance.
“Today is not merely a public holiday,” the governor said. “It is a day rooted in history—for sacrifice and the struggle for justice, equity, and the dignity of labour.”
Recalling Kano’s historical place as the first state to host an official May Day celebration in 1980 under the late Governor Abubakar Rimi, Governor Yusuf expressed pride in continuing that legacy through progressive policies that centre workers’ interests.
N71,000 Minimum Wage Now in Effect, In one of the most significant announcements of the day, Governor Yusuf revealed that Kano has officially adopted a new minimum wage of N71,000, making it one of the first states in Nigeria to implement a substantial wage increase for civil servants.
“Through deliberate and determined efforts, we have successfully ensured that the new minimum wage for civil servants in Kano State stands at N71,000. This is a bold and commendable step toward enhancing workers’ welfare,” he said.
He stressed that the new salary structure is designed to cushion the effects of economic hardship, raise morale, and improve productivity across public service.
Reforms in Civil Service, Pensions, and Training: The governor outlined ongoing reforms targeting the revitalization of the civil service.
These include institutionalising regular training and capacity building through workshops and partnerships with institutions like ASCON, modernising administrative procedures, and reviewing key operational documents such as the Civil Service Rules, Financial Instructions, and the Scheme of Service.
He also highlighted the payment of N16 billion in pension arrears, an upward review of minimum pension from N5,000 to N20,000, and the release of N100 million to support pensioners’ activities, signaling a strong commitment to retirees’ welfare.
“Pension reform is not just an administrative task; it is a moral duty to those who served with honour,” he declared.
Creation of Ministries and Agencies for Jobs, Innovation, Governor Yusuf announced the creation of new ministries and agencies designed to improve service delivery and generate employment.
These include the Ministries of Housing Development, Internal Security, Solid Minerals, and Power & Renewable Energy, along with new agencies like the Kano State ICT Development Agency and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency.
“These institutions are not just bureaucratic creations—they are strategic responses to the demands of a modern, inclusive, and secure society,” the governor noted.
Urban Renewal and Security in Focus, He reiterated his administration’s commitment to urban renewal, citing the ongoing construction of flyovers at Dan Agundi and Tal’udu junctions, road expansions, improved drainage systems, and the installation of streetlights.
He also noted the declaration of a state of emergency on education, as well as the formation of a special task force to tackle phone snatching and thuggery in the state.
Call for Unity and Patriotism Governor Yusuf closed his address with a call for unity, civic responsibility, and collective action.
“While economic hardship poses challenges, it also offers opportunity.
