BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
Sokoto state governor, Ahmed Aliyu has assured that his government is doing everything possible to offset the 15 billion Naira backlog of gratuity owed retirees in state since 2016.
Governor Aliyu who stated this at the Giginya Stadium, Thursday, during the Workers Day celebration also promised that no retiree will be left unpaid before the end of his tenure.
“We have commenced the payment of the N15 billion backlog of gratuities owed retirees since 2016. Every month, we release N500 million to clear the backlog and an additional N300 million to settle those who retired from 2023 till date. Our goal is that by the end of our tenure, no retiree will be left unpaid,” he said.
While noting that his administration has further demonstrated love for workers as the engine room of government operations through the restoration of the abandoned monthly cash allocation, Governor Aliyu added that he has unwavering commitment to the welfare of the state’s workforce.
Giving a breakdown of some of the steps taken so far to reposition the civil service for effective service delivery, the governor said he pays 30,000 goron sallah as well as prompt payment of salaries, including the 70,000 new minimum wage for all civil servants, including Local Government staff and primary school teachers, promotes stagnated civil servants and has enhanced workers’ capabilities through trainings.
“In fact, Sokoto is the first State to have implemented the new national minimum wage to all workers including LG and LGEA staff,” he said and also noted that his administration is building 1500 houses for workers and has introduced the Sauki shops where civil servants will buy food stuffs at subsidized prices.
Reacting to a statement made by the state NLC chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Jangle during his welcome remarks that Governor Aliyu’s 2027 victory is guaranteed, the governor said 2027 is a long time from now adding, it is in the hands of God.
Earlier in his welcome address, the state NLC chairman, Comrade Jangle had reassured of the commitment of civil servants to the governor adding that all their demands are being met without delay.
