Governor Umaru Bago of Niger has refuted claims of discord with Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, emphasizing their strong and collaborative working relationship. In an interview with reporters following his address at the 2025 International Workers Day celebration in Minna on Thursday, Bago stated, ‘We are a united team, and nothing can divide us. Our focus remains on our objectives, and we are determined to achieve them. A New Niger is within reach.’ He expressed gratitude to the workers for their dedication to the state and the nation, acknowledging their resilience and trust in the government. The governor praised teachers for their commitment and role in shaping future generations, recognizing them as the foundation of the educational system. He assured civil servants that the state government is committed to ensuring timely payment of their retirement benefits. Additionally, Bago revealed plans to collaborate with Chinese investors to establish an electric vehicle manufacturing company in the state, aimed at making cars more affordable for civil servants. He also expressed appreciation for health workers’ dedication and pledged to enhance their welfare. Furthermore, the governor announced an initiative to construct 10,000 housing units for civil servants to improve their living conditions. In his opening remarks, Comrade Idrees Lafene, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Niger, praised Bago for his pro-worker policies that have positively impacted civil servants’ welfare in the state. ‘As we join workers worldwide to celebrate the 2025 International Workers’ Day, we do so under the significant theme: ‘Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship.’
Ibrahim Gana, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, representing Lafene, highlighted the governor’s accomplishments, which include the implementation of the N80,000 minimum wage. Additional achievements mentioned were the resumption of gratuity payments, distribution of palliatives and gifts to workers, and the payment of wage awards to civil servants. He announced that the union decided to honor the governor with the esteemed Worker Hero Award for his exceptional service to the working class and the state’s populace. Lafene pointed out critical issues needing immediate attention, such as the implementation of promotions and annual step increments, as well as the payment of hazard, medical, and disturbance allowances for judiciary workers, among others. He stated that labor should be viewed as a partner in progress rather than an adversary and called for the establishment of a minimum pension policy to align with the N80,000 minimum wage. He urged for the urgent revitalization of deteriorating infrastructure in tertiary institutions, secondary schools, and healthcare facilities, along with a review of the current policy regarding the retention of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by tertiary institutions. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, Speaker of the Niger House of Assembly, represented by Abubakar Gomna, reiterated the legislature’s dedication to working collaboratively with workers for the state’s development. Sarkindaji mentioned that the legislature is open to workers addressing their concerns and enhancing their welfare. Additionally, Sen. Sani Musa, representing the Niger East Senatorial Zone, underscored the National Assembly’s ongoing efforts to reform the tax system. Musa noted that the President has instructed that civil servants earning less than one million naira per month be exempt from paying taxes. He called for increased support and cooperation from labor leaders and workers, stressing the significance of collaboration in achieving the objectives of the tax reform initiative.
