The Kebbi state government says it will continue to protect the rights and privileges of its workforce but will not condone truancy and laxity from civil servants.
Governor Nasir Idris made the remark at the opening of a three day workshop on labour education organised by the NLC for its members in Birnin Kebbi this Thursday.
Represented by his deputy, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, the governor made it clear that the government was aware about truancy by a number of workers, reporting late to office or closing early from duty.
This, he said, became evident as many offices remained empty during work hours or some workers sit idle doing nothing.
Dr. Nasir Idris was emphatic that the NLC must intervene to ensuring the optimum productivity of workers to tally with the vision and mission of employers of labour and organisations.
The governor narrated that as a veteran labour leader, his administration would sustain collaboration with organised labour for the development of the people as well as prioritise the welfare of civil servants.
He commended the NLC for organising the workshop to enlighten members and update their knowledge about modern negotiation skills.
The Kauran Gwandu gave an assurance that the Kebbi state government would continue to be in the forefront in the payment of new minimum wage to workers.
The state Head of Service, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba Bena, remarked that his office would embark on visit and supervision to offices towards ensuring compliance with work ethics by civil servants.
The guest speaker and Head of Training and Education, NLC headquarters, Abuja, Dr. Muttaqa Yusha’u, explained that the workshop was designed to reawaken workers of their responsibility as custodians of accountability, morality and social justice.
Kebbi state Chairman of the Labour Congress, Comrade Murtala Usman said participants would be inducted with new rules and regulations of trade unionism which placed emphasis on persuasion and dialogue with employers.
He thanked Governor Nasir Idris for sponsoring the workshop and uplifting the wellbeing of workers.