The Kebbi State Government has refuted claims that it is defaulting on workers’ entitlements, insisting that salaries, pensions, gratuities, and death benefits are fully up to date.
The Head of Civil Service, Malam Malami Shekare, made the clarification on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi, following social media reports alleging that the state had failed to meet its obligations.
Shekare stated that Governor Nasir Idris was among the first state governors to approve and implement a new minimum wage of ₦75,000—higher than the ₦70,000 recently approved by the Federal Government. He emphasised that the administration has been consistent in paying the consolidated wage, which also incorporates leave grants, since reaching an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
“The government does not owe any worker salary, pension, gratuity or death benefits,” Shekare said. “Before implementation, consultations were held with the NLC, which recommended ₦75,000. The administration accepted this, and payments have been made unfailingly ever since.”
He added that promotions in the civil service were not automatic but must follow due process. Unlike in some states where workers are required to sit examinations, Kebbi State adopts a different system.
Shekare also warned that the state government would pursue legal action against the author of the “false, malicious and misleading” publication, which he described as an attempt to misinform the public and cause unrest.
Backing the government’s stance, Kebbi State NLC Chairman, Murtala Usman, dismissed the individual behind the viral report as an impostor with no links to any recognised labour union.
“We asked him what union he belongs to, and he admitted none. Workers have legitimate channels to voice complaints or agitations through their unions,” Usman said.
He revealed that the individual had circulated three letters on social media addressed to the Commissioner for Finance, the NLC, and workers in general. “His aim is to create industrial unrest, which we shall not permit,” he added.
Usman reaffirmed that the government has been faithfully paying the ₦75,000 minimum wage, including the embedded leave grant, stressing that the false report was simply an attempt to discredit the administration.
