The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Kano State chapter, has appealed to the state government to consider absorbing and supporting workers in the public service who are serving as casual staff.

The labour group advocated the immortalization of ex-Kano Governor, Abubakar Rimi, who was the first to declare May 1st as Workers Day in Kano 45 years ago.

NLC Chairman in Kano, Comrade Inuwa Kabiru, made the appeal during the 2025 International Workers Day celebration held on Thursday at the Sani Abacha stadium, Kano.

Kabiru worried that the casual workers largely domiciled in the education and health sectors are working under demoralised conditions, considering the harsh economic reality in the country.

The labour boss lamented that the casualization of workers in the modern day is no longer acceptable in the present-day workforce, and appealed for possible conversion into the mainstream service.

He earlier reminded that workers’ take-home pay is no longer sufficient to meet their daily needs, calling on the Federal government to address the level of inflation, poverty level, unemployment, and high cost of living in the country.

Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf, who was the special guest alongside his deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare.

This was just as the governor unveiled a series of bold initiatives aimed at enhancing working conditions, boosting morale, and positioning Kano as a model of labour-conscious governance.

Yusuf said the present administration adopted a new minimum wage of ₦71,000, as one of the first states in Nigeria to implement a substantial wage increase for civil servants.

He stressed that the new salary structure is designed to cushion the effects of economic hardship, raise morale, and improve productivity across the public service.

The governor outlined reforms targeting the revitalization of the civil service to include institutionalising regular training and capacity building through workshops and partnerships with like ASCON; modernising administrative procedures, and reviewing key operational documents.

He also highlighted the payment of ₦16 billion in pension arrears, an upward review of minimum pension from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000, and the release of ₦100 million to support pensioners’ activities, signaling a strong commitment to retirees’ welfare.