Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has pointed to pervasive insecurity and widespread poverty as major barriers to securing decent employment opportunities. Speaking at the 2026 Workers’ Day gathering held at Muhammadu Sunusi Bello Durbar Ground in Dutse, the governor highlighted how these twin issues directly impact labour conditions and overall quality of life.
The event, themed ‘Insecurity and Poverty as the Bane of Decent Work,’ provided a platform for Namadi to underscore the deep connection between these challenges and the daily struggles faced by workers. He emphasized that addressing them requires both well-orchestrated policies and collective accountability. ‘These problems touch every aspect of living, and they demand our unwavering focus,’ he stated.
Namadi outlined his administration’s 12-point development strategy, which prioritizes agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social protection. He noted that the agricultural transformation initiative is specifically designed to enhance food security, generate jobs, and offer sustainable livelihoods. The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing dialogue with organized labour, asserting that the government remains open to discussions aimed at resolving worker grievances. ‘We cherish this collaboration and will persist in striving for equity, openness, and advancement for all employees,’ he added.
Sunusi Alhassan, chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Jigawa, recognized the government’s strides in boosting worker welfare but stressed that eradicating poverty and insecurity is crucial for achieving decent work. He applauded the governor’s attention to the well-being of civil servants in the state, urging continued efforts to ensure lasting improvements.