Organised labour in Niger State has called on the state government to urgently address insecurity, poverty, and outstanding workers’ welfare issues to improve morale and productivity. The Chairman of organised labour in the state, Mr. Idrees Lafene, made the appeal on Friday in Minna during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration.
Speaking on the theme, “Insecurity and Poverty: The Bane of Decent Work,” Lafene said insecurity and the rising cost of living continue to undermine workers’ productivity and welfare. He added that many employees now struggle to meet their basic needs.
Lafene called for enhanced security measures, realistic wage structures, increased investment in agriculture and local industries, and the expansion of social protection programmes for vulnerable workers.
He, however, commended Gov. Mohammed Bago for extending teachers’ years of service from 35 to 40 years, and for increasing the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 65.
He also praised the implementation of Grade Level 17 in the Local Government Service, as well as the introduction of wage awards for local government teachers.
Lafene appealed to the government to resume gratuity payments, implement the new minimum pension, and settle outstanding pension arrears.
“The government should also address stagnation in promotions within the local government system, as some employees have remained on one grade level since 2015,” he said.
Gov. Umaru Bago, represented by his deputy, Mr. Yakubu Garba, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and improved service delivery.
He stated that the government had introduced reforms aimed at improving salary structures, reducing bureaucracy, and promoting digital literacy in the civil service through the establishment of the Niger Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency.
Bago added that the administration had also settled more than ₦6 billion in pension liabilities within three years.
According to him, the state has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Ministry of Finance on a Sustainable Integrated Productive Communities Pilot Scheme to provide productivity-backed housing opportunities for workers and farmers.
He assured organised labour that the government would continue to engage constructively with workers and address their concerns through dialogue and mutual understanding.
