The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, renewed his administration’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of workers during the 2024 May Day celebrations.
Speaking at the JB Yakubu Secretariat Complex in Gusau on Wednesday, Governor Lawal outlined the measures his government is taking to improve the conditions of the state’s workforce.
In a statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, Lawal reaffirmed the government’s focus on actively involving workers in the governance process and pledged to implement the six-point agenda of the administration’s Rescue Mission, forming the basis of its transformation programme.
“My administration recognises the essential role workers play in providing services and implementing government policies,” the Governor said. “Workers and governments are partners in realising our people’s aspirations for development.”
Governor Lawal highlighted the importance of workers in achieving the government’s goals, stating that they are the machinery through which services are delivered to the people.
He acknowledged the current economic challenges, such as the removal of oil subsidies and monetary policies causing inflation, and reassured workers of his administration’s support.
The Governor noted that within 11 months, his administration had cleared inherited salary backlogs, ensured prompt payment of current salaries, and extended additional welfare packages.
He added that the government has implemented mechanisms to ensure that only genuine workers are on the payroll and is in consultation with labour unions to review salaries and wages to reflect current realities.
Governor Lawal also shared plans for digitising government activities and reforming civil service practices to improve efficiency and accountability.
This initiative includes new methods for assessing workers’ performance, training and retraining, and addressing fraud and leakages in government operations.
He stressed the importance of treating workers with respect and dignity, especially after retirement, and confirmed that his administration is addressing the backlog of gratuity arrears.
The Governor stated that once these arrears are settled, gratuities for all retirees from state and local government services will be paid promptly, aiming to eliminate any fear of retirement among workers.
