News Investigators/ Organised Labour in Niger has called on the state government to urgently address insecurity, poverty and pending workers’ welfare issues to boost workers’ morale.
Idrees Lafene, its Chairman, made the call on Friday in Minna during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration.
Mr Lafene spoke on the theme “Insecurity and Poverty: The Bane of Decent Work”.
He regretted that insecurity and the rising cost of living had continued to affect workers’ productivity and welfare, adding that many workers now struggle to meet basic needs.
Mr Lafene called for stronger security measures, realistic wages, investment in agriculture and local industries, as well as expansion of social protection programmes for vulnerable workers.
He, however, commended Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago for extending teachers’ years of service from 35 years to 40, and pushing up the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 65.
He also commended him for implementing Grade Level 17 in the Local Government Service, and introducing wage awards for local government teachers.
He appealed to the government to resume gratuity payments, implement the new minimum pension and settle pension arrears.
“Government should also address stagnation in promotions within the local government system as some have been on one grade level since 2015,” he said.
Mr Bago, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and improved service delivery.
He said that government had introduced reforms aimed at improving salary structures, reducing bureaucracy and promoting digital literacy in the civil service through the establishment of the Niger Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency.
Mr Bago added that the administration had also paid more than N6 billion in pension liabilities within three years.
According to him, the state has also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Ministry of Finance on a Sustainable Integrated Productive Communities Pilot Scheme to provide productivity-backed housing opportunities for workers and farmers.
He assured organised labour that the state government would continue to engage workers constructively and address their concerns through dialogue and mutual understanding.
NAN
