The Kano State Head of Civil Service, Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Mai Mota, has said that the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has placed workers’ welfare, pension reforms, employment generation and public service transformation at the center of governance, leading to significant improvements in the lives of civil servants, pensioners and job seekers across the state.
Speaking on the achievements of the administration over the last three years, the Head of Service said one of the government’s most notable accomplishments has been the settlement of inherited gratuity and death benefit liabilities that had accumulated over several years.
According to her, the present administration inherited a backlog estimated at ₦48 billion, out of which ₦32 billion has already been paid to retirees and beneficiaries.
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She explained that the intervention has provided relief to thousands of retired workers and families of deceased civil servants who had waited for years to receive their entitlements.
“The payment of gratuities and death benefits remains one of the major priorities of this administration. Out of the ₦48 billion inherited backlog, the government has already settled ₦32 billion, restoring hope and confidence among retirees and their families,” she said.
₦71,000 Minimum Wage Implemented
Hajiya Bilkisu stated that the administration has consistently prioritized workers’ welfare through prompt payment of salaries and the implementation of the new ₦71,000 minimum wage.
She noted that Kano is among the states that moved swiftly to adopt the new wage structure, describing the decision as a reflection of Governor Yusuf’s commitment to improving the welfare of workers amid prevailing economic challenges.
According to her, regular salary payments and improved remuneration have contributed to enhanced productivity and morale within the civil service.
Pensioners Benefit from Welfare Reforms
The Head of Service disclosed that pensioners have also benefitted significantly from the administration’s reforms.
She revealed that the minimum pension payable to retirees was increased from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000, representing a substantial improvement in the welfare of former public servants.
According to her, the measure has helped many retirees cope with rising living costs and has demonstrated the government’s appreciation of their years of service to the state.
Capacity Building and Civil Service Reforms
Beyond welfare programmes, Hajiya Bilkisu said the administration has invested heavily in capacity development and institutional strengthening.
She explained that civil servants have been exposed to various training programmes in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), leadership, and modern public administration practices.
The Head of Service added that the reintroduction of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) leadership workshop has further enhanced professionalism and leadership capacity within the civil service.
She also noted that pre-retirement training programmes have continued under the present administration, helping workers prepare for life after active service and promoting dignified retirement.
Massive Recruitment Across Key Sectors
The Head of Service further revealed that Governor Yusuf’s administration has undertaken massive recruitment exercises aimed at addressing manpower shortages and improving service delivery across critical sectors.
According to her, recruitment has been carried out in education, healthcare, agriculture, justice, and security sectors to strengthen public institutions and improve service delivery.
She stated that the education sector has particularly benefited from the recruitment of thousands of teachers over the last three years.
In addition, she said government has approved the engagement of more teachers and support personnel to improve teaching standards and strengthen security within schools.
Regularisation of Casual Workers
Hajiya Bilkisu disclosed that the administration has also taken steps to improve job security for many workers by regularizing the appointments of long-serving casual staff.
She further revealed that 9,949 Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) teachers have been converted to permanent and pensionable status.
According to her, the move has created greater career stability and expanded opportunities for professional growth among the affected teachers.
Labour-Friendly Policies
The Head of Service said the government has maintained cordial relationships with labour unions and workers’ representatives through regular engagement and consultation.
She pointed to initiatives such as Sallah welfare packages for workers, support for labour organizations, and the successful hosting of the 47th National Council on Establishment as evidence of the administration’s commitment to building a productive public service.
She noted that these efforts have contributed to industrial harmony and strengthened confidence in government policies.
Building a People-Centred Civil Service
Hajiya Bilkisu maintained that the administration’s investments in workers’ welfare, pension reforms, capacity development, employment generation, and institutional reforms have transformed the civil service and improved service delivery across the state.
She said Governor Yusuf remains committed to building a modern, efficient and people-centred public service capable of supporting the state’s development agenda.
“The achievements recorded so far demonstrate the administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers, retirees and job seekers. Through strategic reforms and sustained investment in human capital development, the government is laying a solid foundation for a more productive and responsive civil service,” she stated.
The Head of Service added that the administration would continue to implement policies and programmes aimed at enhancing the welfare of workers while strengthening public institutions for the overall development of Kano State.