The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Kebbi State Council has publicly pushed back against sweeping criticisms leveled at the state government by former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship aspirant, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
Addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Monday following Malami’s Independence Day address, State NLC Chairman Alhaji Murtala Usman rejected claims that civil servants in Kebbi were suffering under widespread systemic neglect, unlawful salary deductions, or unpaid pensions. Usman underscored that trade unionism relies on verifiable evidence and institutional dialogue rather than political rhetoric.
"Trade unionism is not conducted through rumour. It is conducted through evidence, negotiation, collective action where necessary, and institutional engagement," Usman stated, urging political actors not to turn worker welfare into a partisan instrument.
Fact vs. Campaign Promises: The N75,000 vs. N110,000 Debate
A primary point of contention was Malami's campaign pledge to introduce a N110,000 minimum wage if elected governor in 2027.
While acknowledging the promise, the NLC leadership questioned the financial realism and long-term sustainability of the offer. Usman pointed out that Governor Nasir Idris's administration had already implemented a N75,000 minimum wage—surpassing the federal baseline of N70,000—and continues to honor salary and pension obligations despite national economic headwinds.
Key Worker Interventions Under the Idris Administration
To support its position, the Kebbi NLC outlined a series of concrete structural improvements executed under Governor Idris since 2023:
Workforce Expansion & Capacity: Recruitment of 2,568 healthcare workers and 2,000 qualified teachers, Alongside the full integration of GAVI healthcare personnel onto the state payroll.
Retirement Policy Reform: Extension of retirement age from 60 to 65 years (and service tenure from 35 to 40 years) for teachers, medical doctors, and veterinary specialists.
Education & University Welfare: Implementation of the new wage structure and consequential salary adjustments for staff at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology (KSUSTA) and Kebbi State Polytechnic, alongside the rehabilitation of 320 schools and construction of 48 new junior/senior secondary facilities.
Social Safety & Cost-of-Living Support: Deployment of subsidized transport buses, distribution of agricultural inputs to workers, and sustained prompt payment of gratuities and allowances.
A Call for Evidence-Based Politics
While defending the current administration's record, the NLC reiterated that it remains focused on advocating for further wage adjustments to counter persistent inflation and rising living costs.
However, Usman challenged Malami and other political opponents to present hard evidence of specific grievances—such as unapplied promotions or arbitrary salary cuts—rather than making broad assertions.
If there are genuine cases of workers whose salaries have been unlawfully deducted, whose promotions have not been implemented, or whose pensions remain outstanding, let the evidence be presented," Usman concluded. "Let the political contest be about who can deliver better conditions of service, not about who can make the loudest allegation."
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