Ganduje is a model in Government/Labour relationship – NLC President

Ahmad Sorondinki, Kano

National President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Ayuba Wabbah has commended Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for the cordial relationship existing between the government and organized Labour in the state, describing Kano as a pacesetter, in the overall welfare of workers.

Wabba, made the declaration at the Open Theatre, Government House, Kano, Saturday night, during the launching of a documentary film, depicting employer-employee relationship, in an organised setting, titled “Hakki” (Rights).

“We are in Kano to also respect and encourage the good working relationship between us. Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, is, by all standards, leading a government that is worker-friendly and citizen-friendly that has people at heart,” Comrade Wabbah stated.

According to him, the NLC was aware that Kano government under Ganduje prioritises the welfare of workers as one of the cardinal principles of the administration, stressing that, “We are fully aware how you take the issues of dialogue and fruitful discussions as important avenues in your administration Your Excellency.”

He also commended the governor for accepting the minimum wage increment, right from day one and for taking good care of retirees in the state. In terms of timely pension payments and gratuity.

While explaining that this year’s Workers Day would be celebrated alongside the Centenary celebration of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Wabbah congratulated and commended Ganduje for always identifying with NLC activities with full and unrelenting support.

However, the Union resolved to quench the problem of transport for workers in the state, as NLC President revealed that preparations were on top gear to introduce Labour transportation system.

“It will be second, only to Lagos state, where brand new buses, from the People’s Republic of China, will be in Kano to ease hardship workers face in transportation. It is going to be at subsidised fare. This will further boost the morale of our workers in the state.” He said.

In his response Governor Ganduje said that “Marriage between employer and employee is an indispensable one. No one can exist without the other.

This clearly shows that we have to work together no matter what.”

Ganduje challenged that, under normal circumstances, payment of workers salary shouldn’t be something to celebrate and make noise about, emphasizing that, “It is nothing more than paying for services rendered with sweat.

That is why we really don’t joke with it. We pay as and when due. It is a reward of a work done.”

Celebration of the Workers Day, with a parade, Ganduje said, was not enough for them and workers to appraise relationship.

“That was why we introduced an Award Night, where some distinguished workers and employers are identified and we reward them with Awards,” he discloses.

“We thought we could add value and feather to it. That is why we now, together with the State NLC, came up with Symposium, as a way of discussing and appraising the relationships. This, we think, can do a lot in further cementing the relationship.”

On the way of easing transport for workers and all citizens in the state governor said the state government also entered into an agreement with a Chinese company, and very soon 150 buses would flood the streets of Kano for that purpose.

About Twenty Million (N20m) was realised at the occasion for the purchase of the Film. With highest donation from the state government, that gave the sum of Five Million Naira (N5m),

while the 44 local governments of the state through the Commissioner for Local Government, Murtala Sule Garo donated the sum of Four Million Four Hundred Thousand Naira (N4.4m).

The Chief Launcher at the event, Engineer Kabiru Abubakar Kabiru donated the sum of Two Million Naira (N2m).