‘Deceitful Promises’: NLC Fires Back at Malami Over Workers’ Conditions

The Kebbi State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and an aide to Governor Nasir Idris have criticised Abubakar Malami’s Independence Day pledges to civil servants, arguing that they overlook existing interventions in workers’ welfare.

Malami, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate and former Attorney-General of the Federation, promised improved working conditions, a befitting secretariat and prompt payment of workers’ entitlements in his statewide broadcast.

Reacting to the address, the state NLC chairman, Comrade Murtala Usman, described the pledges as “baseless political statements” concerning issues he said the Idris administration had already addressed.

Usman said the union ordinarily avoided political disputes but considered it necessary to respond because the promises concerned the welfare of its members.

He maintained that the administration had prioritised salaries, pensions, gratuities and other entitlements, saying workers had benefited from improvements in their conditions of service.

NLC cites minimum wage and workers’ benefits

The labour leader pointed to Kebbi’s ₦75,000 minimum wage, which exceeds the national benchmark of ₦70,000, as part of the administration’s welfare measures.

The Bureau Journal recently reported the NLC’s endorsement of consequential salary adjustments and responsibility allowances for primary school teachers.

That approval followed the submission of a committee report on teachers’ salaries, personnel records and working conditions.

The Kebbi chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers has separately highlighted teachers’ welfare, recruitment and school infrastructure in its assessment of the administration.

Governor’s aide points to existing secretariat

Governor Idris’ Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris Zuru, also faulted Malami’s presentation of the administration’s record.

Zuru cited the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Secretariat Complex, workers’ transportation arrangements and the settlement of inherited liabilities as examples of interventions he said the ADC candidate failed to acknowledge.

President Bola Tinubu commissioned the secretariat during his visit to Kebbi in February 2026, according to the Presidency.

The governor’s aide said the administration had paid more than ₦7 billion in inherited obligations covering gratuities, death benefits and leave grants. He also cited the inclusion of civil servants in agricultural support and other relief programmes.

Zuru further referred to Malami’s legal proceedings. Separately, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to Malami in July. Malami and other respondents had opposed the application, maintaining that the assets were lawfully acquired. The civil forfeiture proceedings are distinct from the criminal charges against him.

Idris seeks continued support

In his Independence Day message, Governor Idris thanked civil servants, traditional and religious leaders, women and youth groups, APC stakeholders and security agencies for supporting his administration.

He said the government had recorded progress in education, infrastructure, healthcare and agriculture, and appealed for continued cooperation to sustain development and peaceful coexistence.

The disagreement over workers’ welfare comes as political parties and their candidates advance competing proposals ahead of the 2027 governorship election.