Radda clears ₦45.89bn gratuities, settles 14,560 retirees’ backlog

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has disbursed ₦45.89 billion to settle outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to 14,560 retirees, clearing a backlog dating back to 2019.

The governor made the disclosure on Friday during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, where he outlined his administration’s record on workers’ welfare and ongoing reforms.

Radda said the payment underscores his administration’s commitment to rewarding years of service and restoring confidence among public servants. He also assured workers of consistent salary payments, stating that wages are paid on or before the 25th of every month without interruption.

Beyond gratuities, the governor announced improved remuneration for health workers, including a revised salary structure for medical doctors and enhanced hazard allowances, alongside fresh recruitment across critical sectors. These include 1,020 health workers under the State Primary Healthcare Agency, 724 personnel under the Hospital Services Management Board, and 179 first-class graduates engaged from Umaru Musa Yar’adua University.

He added that 3,814 civil servants were promoted between January and December 2025, while over 2,019 officers benefited from local and international training programmes within two years. The administration also approved refurbishing loans for 1,182 workers to upgrade vehicles and homes.

To incentivise excellence, Radda said outstanding civil servants were rewarded with Peugeot 206 cars and ₦2 million cash prizes in 2024 and 2025.

On economic development, the governor listed interventions in agriculture, including the procurement and distribution of 400 tractors, subsidised farm inputs, and the deployment of solar-powered irrigation pumps to boost food production.

He also noted investments in education, with the construction of three model smart schools and recruitment of 2,158 teachers, as well as a women empowerment programme targeting 14,450 beneficiaries.

In youth development, Radda disclosed that ₦252 million had been disbursed to over 1,000 young entrepreneurs under the Building Your Future programme, with plans to expand funding for committed participants.

Speaking on the Workers’ Day theme, “Insecurity, Poverty – Bane of Decent Work,” the governor urged unity and collective responsibility in addressing socio-economic challenges confronting the state.

Chairman of Organised Labour in the state, Dr. Hussain Hamisu Yanduna, commended the governor’s efforts, describing the clearance of over ₦40 billion gratuity backlog as a landmark intervention that restored dignity to retirees.

He also praised the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage and initiatives aimed at improving security and easing economic hardship.

However, the labour leader called for improved workplace safety, stronger social protection measures to cushion inflation, and greater unity among workers.