Kaduna Governor, Uba Sani, has described workers as partners in progress during the Workers Day celebration held at Murtala Square on Friday. He emphasized that the Kaduna Light Rail Project, recently approved by the Federal Executive Council, will complement his administration's efforts to ease transportation for workers in the state.
Governor Sani acknowledged the economic pressures workers face due to subsidy reforms and stressed that his government recognizes these challenges. "Our relationship with organised labour has been constructive and we remain committed to sustaining this partnership through dialogue and cooperation," he stated.
Free CNG Bus Service and Light Rail Project
To alleviate transportation costs, the governor highlighted the introduction of the Free CNG Bus Service. With 100 buses deployed, over 1.5 million citizens have benefited within nine months, saving an estimated N1.4 billion in transport expenses. He noted that the Kaduna Light Rail will complement the Bus Rapid Transit system, significantly improving urban mobility by providing safe, reliable, and affordable transportation.
Welfare of Retirees and Workers
Governor Sani acknowledged the challenges of the past and their impact on livelihoods and public service delivery, stating that governance must always consider the human consequences of policy decisions. He announced the release of N4.289 billion, bringing total payments for pensions, gratuities, and death benefits to N17.796 billion, benefiting over 8,300 individuals. "This reflects our commitment to honouring those who have served our state," he said.
Investments in Health and Education
The governor highlighted that his administration has prioritized both infrastructural development and personnel recruitment in the health sector. With 15 percent of the 2026 budget allocated to health, the government has upgraded 255 Primary Healthcare Centres to level 2 and established 23 Centres of Excellence, alongside a 300-bed specialist hospital. Secondary healthcare has been strengthened through the upgrade of 15 General Hospitals, and welfare for health workers has been improved through the implementation of CONHESS and CONMESS.
In education, Governor Sani announced the construction of 736 classrooms, renovation of over 1,200 classrooms, recruitment of 10,000 teachers, and training of more than 33,000 personnel. Additionally, 62 new secondary schools have been completed, with another 50 under construction. Under the out-of-school children programme, construction of 102 new schools and renovation of 170 existing ones are underway across all local government areas.
Infrastructure and Peace-Building
The governor noted that nearly 150 road projects covering over 1,345 kilometres are connecting communities, facilitating trade, and supporting economic growth. He also highlighted Kaduna State's peace-building efforts, which have restored stability in areas such as Birnin-Gwari, Giwa, Kajuru, and Igabi, allowing farmers to return to their lands and resume productive activities.
"These achievements are the result of collective effort. Workers remain central to the implementation of government policies and programmes. We recognise that challenges remain. Limited resources and growing demands require careful planning and continued engagement with stakeholders," the governor added.
NLC Chairman Commends Government
In his remarks, the State NLC Chairman, Comrade Ayuba Magaji Suleiman, commended the Kaduna State Government for the free transport scheme, resumption of the Teachers Endwell Scheme, and reabsorption of Kaduna State Water Corporation workers into the payroll. He also praised the administration for paying pensions and retirement benefits totaling N17.7 billion. While commending the government for implementing the minimum wage, he pleaded with the administration to pay consequential adjustment for senior civil servants.
