The Katsina State Government has released ₦45.89 billion to settle the backlog of gratuities and death benefits owed workers since 2019, Gov Dikko Radda has disclosed.
Radda, in a speech at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Katsina on Friday, said that 14,560 retirees from the state, local government and local education authorities would benefit.
He said that the payment of the backlog underscored his administration’s resolve to honour the service and sacrifices of retired workers.
“This effort reflects our unwavering commitment to those who served our state diligently,” he stated.
He assured workers of continued prompt salary payments, noting that his government had sustained a consistent record of paying salaries on or before the 25th of every month.
He said that a lot of attention had gone to the health sector where workers currently enjoy improved remuneration, including a new salary structure.
They also enjoy enhanced hazard allowances and better entry points for doctors in recognition of their critical role in healthcare delivery, he added.
He added that 1,900 personnel had been employed across key health institutions, among them 179 First Class graduates from Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, as part of efforts to strengthen the state workforce.
He added that 3,814 civil servants were promoted across ministries, departments and agencies between January and December 2025, describing timely promotion as a key pillar of governance.
The governor said that outstanding civil servants were rewarded with Peugeot 206 vehicles and ₦2 million cash prizes in 2024 and 2025 to boost morale and enhance productivity.
Radda further disclosed that 2,019 civil servants benefited from local and international training programmes within two years, while 1,182 workers received loans to refurbish homes and vehicles.
Highlighting strides in agriculture, the governor said his administration procured 400 tractors, distributed subsidised farm inputs, and deployed thousands of solar-powered irrigation pumps to boost food production and accelerate agro-industrial development.
In education, he noted the construction of three model smart schools in Radda, Jikamshi and Dumurkul, alongside the recruitment of 2,158 teachers and the rollout of empowerment initiatives targeting 14,450 women entrepreneurs.
On youth development, Radda said that ₦252 million was disbursed to more than 1,000 young entrepreneurs under the ‘Building Your Future’ programme’, with plans to expand support for committed beneficiaries.
Speaking on the theme of the celebration, “Insecurity and Poverty: Bane of Decent Work”, the governor called for unity among citizens and workers to drive collective progress.
“Your sweat waters the fields of our prosperity. Your dedication builds the foundations of our future,” he declared.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Organised Labour in Katsina State, Malam Hussain Hamisu, commended the governor for prioritising workers’ welfare and restoring confidence in the civil service.
Yanduna described the clearance of the gratuity backlog as a landmark achievement, stressing that it remained a rightful entitlement earned through years of service.
He also lauded the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage and improved security through the Community Watch Corps.
Other commendable efforts included the subsidised RUMBU SAUKI grain programme which provided relief to workers amid economic challenges.
The labour leader, however, urged the government to prioritise workplace safety, provide social protection to cushion inflation, and promote unity among unions, noting that workers were the engine of development. (NAN)
