Governor Dikko Radda has declared Friday work-free day during his address at the 2025 International Workers’ Day celebration by the Organised Labour, Katsina State Council ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s two-day visit to Katsina State.
The governor explained that the public holiday is to enable civil servants join in welcoming the president, who is scheduled to commission some projects executed by the state government.
In his own words, he said “I am pleased to inform you that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be visiting Katsina State tomorrow to commission several key projects we have completed over the past two years.
“In light of this, I hereby declare tomorrow a work-free day, so that civil servants can join us in giving the president a warm and honorable welcome.”
While giving his address during the 2025 International Workers’ Day celebration with the theme, “Reclaiming the Civic Space Amid Economic Hardship,” Radda commended Katsina workers for their dedication and commitment to service despite challenging times.
He said, “I stand here today not just as your Governor, but as a fellow citizen who deeply values the sacrifices of our civil servants — the unsung heroes who keep our government running smoothly, day in and day out.”
Outlining his administration’s achievements he further said “From the very beginning, our government has made prompt and regular salary payment a top priority. We have worked diligently to stabilize our revenue base and reform our financial system to ensure workers are paid on time and in full. Today, I can say confidently that there are no salary backlogs.”
He announced that payment for all outstanding salaries of local government workers was approved over a month ago and directed the Head of Civil Service to urgently investigate and resolve any remaining delays while calling on civil servants to embrace accountability and patriotism in their duties.
He said civil servants are not just government employees; they are “change agents, drivers of transformation, and custodians of public trust. Our vision for a better Katsina depends heavily on your dedication, discipline, and sense of duty.”
The governor furthermore reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice, equity, and fairness in all employment-related matters, stating that “the true measure of any government’s success is the happiness and well-being of its people — especially those who serve in public institutions every day.”
Comrade Hussaini Yanduna, the Chairman Nigerian Labour Congress, who doubles as Chairman of Organised Labour, Katsina State Council, expressed appreciation over the state government’s effort at tackling insecurity saying that security remains fundamental to productivity and economic growth.
He commended the implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage by the current administration adding also that “We commend the promotion of local government employees to Grade Level 16, improving upon the previous terminal point of Grade Level 15.
Furthermore, he said “We further request extending this progression opportunity to state civil servants, allowing advancement to Grade Level 17 instead of terminating at Grade Level 16.”
Yanduna called on the state government’s attention to manpower shortage in the healthcare sector, stating, “Over 4,000 health workers have retired without replacement, severely compromising service delivery, particularly at primary healthcare levels.
“We urge Your Excellency to apply the same employment method practiced at the State Primary Universal Education Board to address this crisis.”
He assured that organized labour would continue to support initiatives that promote the prosperity of the state, adding, “We assure you that workers will always recognize and appreciate a leader who prioritizes their welfare.”