No government can achieve meaningful development without a strong, robust, and efficient civil service. The civil service is the backbone of any administration, providing the platform for sustainable economic growth and good governance.
As we commemorate the 2025 Workers’ Day, it is pertinent to reflect on the indelible achievements of Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, in uplifting the civil service in Kebbi State—two years into his administration. His leadership has ushered in unprecedented reforms and welfare programs for workers, positioning Kebbi as a pacesetter in Nigeria.
Governor Idris’ background as a former teacher, unionist, and labour leader puts him in a unique position to understand and respond to the needs of workers. Since assuming office in 2023, he has championed policies aimed at improving the general welfare, wellbeing, and working conditions of civil servants in the state.
One of his earliest actions was the prompt settlement of outstanding pension and gratuity arrears. Today, Kebbi is the only state in Nigeria fully up-to-date in the payment of pensions, gratuities, and death benefits for workers across the state, local government councils, and local government education authorities. No worker is owed a single kobo in this regard.
Salaries are paid promptly, with workers consistently receiving alerts by the 23rd of every month. The same applies to retirees. Leave grants are also disbursed regularly and without delay. Temporary and casual staff have been absorbed into permanent and pensionable appointments, effectively abolishing casual labour in the state workforce.
In the healthcare sector, Governor Idris addressed salary disparities between state-employed medical personnel and their federal counterparts. Doctors and medical staff now receive salaries comparable to those in federal health institutions—an important step in curbing brain drain.
Governor Idris was also among the first in the country to implement the new national minimum wage. While the federal government approved ₦70,000, Kebbi State raised the bar by adopting a ₦75,000 minimum wage—setting a national record.
This bold move attracted widespread commendation, with the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, praising the governor’s leadership during the official signing ceremony in Birnin Kebbi.
Another landmark achievement is the completion of the state-of-the-art Secretariat Complex at Gwadangaji. Designed to accommodate all ministries under one roof, the complex promotes administrative efficiency, coordination, and a conducive environment for optimal performance and service delivery.
The welfarist policies of the Kauran Gwandu administration continue to inspire dedication, productivity, and a renewed sense of purpose among workers—driving the overall development of Kebbi State.
During a recent courtesy visit by the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by its National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, to the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, Governor Idris reaffirmed his commitment:
“My administration has remained steadfast and consistent in the payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities, death benefits, leave grants, and other entitlements. Workers’ welfare is of paramount importance to this government. I will never let them down.”
In the words of NLC President Joe Ajaero during the signing of the ₦75,000 minimum wage:
“Kebbi is a state where you hear positive news since Kaura assumed power.”
Indeed, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris has proven himself to be Nigeria’s most labour-friendly governor—a true champion of work ethics and workers’ welfare.
Yahaya Sarki is the Special Adviser, Media & Publicity to the Kebbi State Governor.
