By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Sokoto State Council, has commended the Sokoto State Government for converting the June 2025 salary payment into a loan facility for civil servants, describing the move as a significant gesture of goodwill and commitment to workers’ welfare.

The salary, which was paid on June 2, 2025, was acknowledged as a timely intervention aimed at easing financial pressure on the state workforce.

Speaking to journalists at the state labour secretariat on Tuesday, NLC State Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Aliyu—popularly known as Comrade Jungle—expressed the union’s appreciation for the state government’s consistency in meeting its obligations to workers.

He noted that regular and prompt salary payments not only boost morale but also enhance productivity across ministries, departments, and agencies.

Comrade Jungle also lauded the recent launch of government-subsidized shops at Kofar Marke in Sokoto, describing it as a welcome development that would cushion the effects of rising living costs on ordinary citizens. He said the initiative would provide access to affordable essential goods, especially for low-income earners.

The NLC chairman further praised the ongoing effort to clear the backlog of gratuities owed to retired civil servants from 2016 to date. He described the move as a long-awaited relief for many retirees and their families who have endured years of financial hardship.

While commending these positive strides, Comrade Jungle urged all civil servants in the state to remain committed and diligent in their duties. He encouraged them to support government programs aimed at improving governance and service delivery, emphasizing that collective responsibility is crucial to sustainable development.

The Sokoto NLC also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a constructive partnership with the state government in the best interest of workers and the general public.