Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has said his administration has maintained enough financial discipline to enable the state pay workers’ salaries and pensions for five consecutive months without relying on funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
Idris made the declaration on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi while speaking at the opening of a health workers’ summit organised by the Kebbi State Assembly of Health Workers.
The assembly comprises representatives of the Medical and Health Workers Union, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, laboratory technicians and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.
‘I’m Still a Labour Leader at Heart’
The governor reminded the health workers that he previously served as the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
He said his background in the labour movement had continued to influence his approach to workers’ welfare.
“I’ll not let you people down or disappoint you, I’m still one of you,” Idris said.
He said that shortly after assuming office, his administration lifted the embargo on employment and recruited 5,166 new workers into the state civil service.
According to him, the recruitment included doctors, nurses and other health workers as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s workforce and improve healthcare delivery.
Kebbi Improves Health Workers’ Welfare
Idris said his administration had also made significant improvements in the health sector and implemented the new consolidated salary structure for doctors and other health workers.
He maintained that prudent financial management had strengthened the state’s ability to meet its obligations to workers even without relying on monthly FAAC allocations.
“With or without funds from the FAAC, I will be able to pay salaries and pensions for five straight months, because my administration has maintained prudent financial management and discipline,” he declared.
The governor also said Kebbi would be among the frontline states to implement the new minimum wage following the conclusion of negotiations between organised labour and the Federal Government.
He assured health workers that his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare while investing in the state’s healthcare system.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
