By Haruna Aliyu, Birnin Kebbi

The Kebbi State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has congratulated Governor Nasir Idris and the people of the state on the administration’s third anniversary, while calling for improved welfare for workers.

In a statement signed by the state NLC Chairman, Comrade Murtala Usman, the union described the governor’s three years in office as eventful and memorable, citing what it called significant achievements across critical sectors of the state.

The NLC said Governor Idris’ labour-friendly policies warranted commendation and encouragement to do more for civil servants in the state.

Usman noted that the governor, a former union leader, had not disappointed workers, pointing to the implementation of the N75,000 minimum wage for civil servants as well as the prompt payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities.

According to him, the past three years have witnessed improvements in the health sector through the construction and renovation of general hospitals across the state, while the recruitment of teachers has boosted the education sector.

He also commended the administration for ending casualisation in ministries, departments and agencies, as well as for the construction of the ultra-modern state secretariat.

The labour leader further praised the state government for providing 50 buses to ease transportation challenges for workers and residents, describing the employment of 2,000 teachers as a timely intervention to strengthen education delivery in the state.

The union pledged to continue pursuing the rights and welfare of workers through lawful engagement with the government.

Usman, however, urged the state government to address the housing needs of civil servants by constructing affordable housing units to reduce the housing deficit in the state.

“Let me use this opportunity to call on the Kebbi State Government to build affordable housing units to reduce the housing deficit, because civil servants in the state are facing housing challenges despite the existing housing estates,” he said.

He also called for the inclusion of organised labour in any committee responsible for the allocation of government houses, arguing that such a measure would ensure workers benefit from the scheme.

According to him, politicians often dominate housing allocations, leaving many civil servants without access to government housing opportunities.