By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The Nigeria Civil Service Union, Kaduna State Council, has called for improved workers’ welfare, social justice and the settlement of outstanding labour entitlements, while commending the Federal and Kaduna State Governments for their interventions in the welfare of workers.
The union also urged governments at all levels to sustain efforts towards improving workers’ purchasing power, strengthening security, improving public services and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The State Chairman of the union, Comrade Ayuka Shemang, stated this on Saturday in Kaduna while addressing journalists at an event organised by the Gaskiya Network.
Shemang said the union remained committed to workers’ welfare, good governance, social justice and sustainable development.
He said, “We call for continued improvements in workers’ purchasing power, security, public services and the settlement of outstanding labour entitlements.”
The union commended the Federal Government for approving the N72,000 national minimum wage and introducing reforms in petroleum subsidy, foreign exchange management, taxation and public finance.
It also acknowledged the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, saying the initiative would improve access to tertiary education.
On infrastructure and transportation, Shemang highlighted investments in road construction and alternative transportation initiatives, including the Compressed Natural Gas programme.
He said programmes supporting food security, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and job creation were important foundations for national development.
However, he stressed the need for sustained attention to the rising cost of living, insecurity and effective implementation of government policies.
In Kaduna State, the union commended Governor Uba Sani for what it described as prompt salary payments and improved labour relations.
It particularly acknowledged the approval of N4.289bn in April 2026 for pension-related payments, bringing the reported cumulative payments to approximately N17.796bn.
The union also praised the state government’s transportation support initiatives for workers, students, pensioners and other residents.
It further welcomed the reduction of tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions and efforts to strengthen community-based security, intelligence gathering and security coordination.
On agriculture, the union appreciated the state government’s purchase and distribution of free fertilisers to farmers, saying the intervention would support food production and rural livelihoods.
Shemang also highlighted the administration’s youth and women’s empowerment initiatives, particularly skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and vocational training programmes.
He added that the Operation Keep Kaduna State Clean initiative was another intervention aimed at maintaining environmental cleanliness across the state.
The union also acknowledged the nomination of Comrade Jerry Adams as Governor Uba Sani’s running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
“We also acknowledge the nomination of Comrade Jerry Adams as Governor Uba Sani’s running mate for the 2027 governorship election, reflecting the administration’s stated commitment to inclusion and equitable representation,” he said.