From:Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
Three major labor unions in Kaduna State—the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN)—have jointly praised Governor Uba Sani for approving and implementing the new national minimum wage along with consequential adjustments for all local government employees.
During a joint press conference in Kaduna, union leaders Comrade Rayyanu Isyaku Turunku (NULGE), Comrade Ibrahim Dalhatu (NUT), and Comrade Umar Ibrahim Fatika (MHWUN) described the governor’s action as a demonstration of empathy, fairness, and commitment to workers’ welfare.
They announced the suspension of their planned warning strike following the governor’s decision to implement the wage adjustments for all local government workers, including those under the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Primary Healthcare Board, effective from October 2025.
“The governor’s decision to implement the new wage structure amid fiscal constraints shows compassion, sincerity, and respect for the dignity of labor,” the unions stated.
The unions also applauded the administration’s efforts in transforming the education and healthcare sectors. They highlighted the renovation and modernization of classrooms across all 23 local government areas, the approval of the 65-year retirement age or 40 years of service policy for teachers, and the refund of over ₦500 million in ENDWELL savings deductions as significant achievements.
Furthermore, the workers commended the restoration of monthly ENDWELL contributions, noting that the welfare scheme offers critical support for teachers and their families. They also praised the government’s correction of check-off dues and the successful staff verification exercise that has improved accountability within the public service.
In the healthcare sector, the unions recognized Governor Uba Sani’s reforms, including the revitalization of 255 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs), the establishment of 23 Centers of Excellence, and the recruitment of 1,800 health workers annually over the next five years.
They also welcomed the implementation of the 2024 CONMESS and CONHESS salary scales, as well as Kaduna’s recognition as the 2024 Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge Champion for the North West Zone.
The labor leaders commended the governor for launching 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to provide free transportation for workers and students, describing this initiative as a timely measure to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal and to reduce living costs.
Reaffirming their commitment to peaceful engagement, the unions pledged to continue collaborating with the Kaduna State Government to build upon the progress made under the Uba Sani administration.
“We urge our members to reciprocate the government’s goodwill through dedication, discipline, and professionalism,” they said.
They expressed confidence that Governor Uba Sani’s leadership would continue to enhance workers’ welfare and strengthen the partnership between the government and labor in the state.
