MAY DAY 2025: Governor Namadi Champions Labour Reforms and Pension Stability in Jigawa State

Jigawa State witnessed a vibrant celebration of Workers’ Day 2025, as Governor Malam Umar Namadi joined organized labour unions and thousands of workers at the Mallam Aminu Kano Triangle in Dutse to honor the dedication and resilience of the state’s workforce. The theme of this year’s celebration, “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” resonated deeply with the policies and reforms already being implemented by the Namadi administration to empower workers and revitalize the civil service.

Governor Namadi, in his passionate address, praised Jigawa’s workers as the driving force behind the state’s development. “Workers across all sectors truly serve as the engine that provides the driving force propelling societies towards progress and development,” he said. He reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to labour-friendly reforms, emphasizing landmark achievements such as the approval and implementation of a ₦70,000 minimum wage—one of the highest in the country—and the construction of affordable housing units for civil servants across the state.

Central to the governor’s Workers’ Day message was his bold intervention in the state’s contributory pension scheme, which he said was on the verge of collapse when his administration took over. Governor Namadi disclosed that over ₦7 billion has been injected into the scheme to stabilize it, with ongoing reforms now ensuring sustainability, transparency, and reliability for retirees and civil servants alike.

“It’s important to note that the pension scheme in Jigawa State was almost collapsing when we came in. We injected over ₦7 billion to sustain it,” he revealed. “We have also initiated a process to review the pension law to address grey areas and ensure the continuity of the scheme.”

The administration’s decisive action included disengaging underperforming Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and onboarding reputable firms such as Premium Pension Fund, PAL Pension, GT Pension, and Crusader Sterling Pension to manage the scheme. These steps, according to the Head of Civil Service, Muhammad Dagaceri, aim to secure the financial future of pensioners and improve efficiency in pension fund management.

Governor Namadi’s broader pro-worker agenda, encapsulated in his government’s 12-point strategic development framework, has garnered widespread praise. The framework includes mass recruitment in critical sectors, access to agricultural loan schemes for workers, and the establishment of palliative shops to cushion the effects of current economic challenges.

In a show of solidarity, Comrade Sunusi Alhassan Maigatari, speaking on behalf of the organized labour, hailed Governor Namadi as a “labour-friendly and people-oriented leader.” He lauded the administration’s sincere efforts in improving the living and working conditions of Jigawa’s workforce, calling the governor’s approach exemplary.

The governor closed his address with a powerful message of hope and appreciation: “You may not be enjoying the sweet of your labour 100%, but I assure you, your sweat will not go in vain.”

With significant strides in civil service reform, worker welfare, and pension scheme revitalization, Governor Umar Namadi has reaffirmed his administration’s role as a true ally of labour. The 2025 May Day celebration in Jigawa State not only marked a ceremonial event but also stood as a testament to effective governance, responsive leadership, and a genuine commitment to the dignity of work.