Governor Nasir Idris says Kebbi has set up a committee to work out modalities for workers to receive a payable and affordable minimum wage.

The governor made the pronouncement on Wednesday while delivering a speech at the 2024 May Day celebration in Birnin Kebbi.

“I have instructed the head of service and secretary to the state government to hold consultations with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress to fashion out an affordable minimum wage that will put a smile on the faces of workers.

“I intend to put Kebbi in the first category with the best welfare for the workforce,” the governor said.

Mr Idris urged workers to rededicate themselves to hard work and uphold harmony between workers and the state government.

He also announced that his administration would recruit 2,000 qualified teachers with requisite teaching qualifications of National Certificate in Education (NCE) and Bachelor of Education to teach in schools towards attaining quality education.

“I will also offer automatic employment to indigenous students of Kebbi studying medicine within and outside the country. In addition, I will also make up for the shortfall in remuneration of doctors in our hospitals to stop them from leaving the service for greener pastures elsewhere,” the Kebbi governor promised.

The governor commended the NLC leadership for honouring him with a special award for his contribution to the labour movement as a veteran unionist.

NLC chairman in Kebbi, Murtala Usman, appealed to the governor to fulfil his promise of being the first governor to implement the new minimum wage when approved by the federal government.

“We appeal to the governor to find a lasting solution to the implementation of circulars and promotions approved by the governor to relevant ministries that are yet to implement, especially ministries of finance and health,” Mr Usman pleaded.

Mr Usman requested the governor to place an order to procure Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and resuscitate the Kebbi Transport Authority.

The NLC leader commended Mr Idris for working with trade unions and workers, which culminated in a harmonious government-labour relationship in Kebbi.

(NAN)