Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has dismissed rumors of a rift between him and the state’s Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, asserting that they share a perfect and harmonious working relationship.
Bago addressed the rumors during an interview with journalists following his speech at the 2025 International Workers Day celebration in Minna on Thursday. He emphasized that their collaboration as a team is unshakable, stating, “We are a team and they can’t break us. Our focus is on the goal and we will achieve it. A New Niger is possible.”
The governor also took the opportunity to thank workers for their sacrifices, particularly commending teachers for their pivotal role in shaping the future of children. He assured civil servants that the state government would ensure timely payments of their entitlements after retirement.
Further, Bago revealed that the state government is collaborating with Chinese investors to establish an electric vehicle company in Niger, with the goal of making cars more affordable for civil servants. He also promised improvements to the welfare of health workers and announced plans to construct 10,000 housing units for civil servants to enhance their living conditions.
In his welcome address, Comrade Idrees Lafene, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Niger, praised Bago for his worker-friendly policies, including the implementation of the N80,000 minimum wage and the resumption of gratuity payments. Lafene, represented by Ibrahim Gana, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, also mentioned that the union would confer the prestigious Worker Hero Award on the governor in recognition of his service to the working class.
Lafene raised several critical issues that require attention, such as the implementation of promotions and step increments for workers, hazard allowances for judiciary staff, and the revitalization of infrastructure in tertiary institutions, schools, and healthcare facilities.
The Speaker of the Niger House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, represented by Abubakar Gomna, reiterated the legislature’s commitment to collaborating with workers to enhance the state’s development.
Senator Sani Musa, representing Niger East Senatorial Zone, also spoke about ongoing tax reforms at the National Assembly, particularly the directive to relieve civil servants earning less than one million naira per month from paying taxes. Musa urged further support from labour leaders and workers for the success of the tax reform initiative.
