Nigerian gov reinstates sacked workers, clears N500m wage arrears

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has recalled scores of workers dismissed by the previous administration and offset wage arrears exceeding N500 million, according to the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Comrade Barde Markus.

At a press briefing in Kaduna, Markus explained that the move reflects Sani’s pledge to promote fairness and safeguard the welfare of civil servants who were removed from service “in violation of extant labour laws and retirement guidelines.”

“Many of those affected by the previous mass disengagements are now being recalled to service. In key institutions like the state water board, we have cleared liabilities exceeding N500 million to ensure effective service delivery. These workers are now back on the payroll,” Markus said.

He added that the Ministry of Humanitarian Services — though newly established — is working closely with agencies such as the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to tackle poverty, improve disaster response, and support vulnerable groups across Kaduna State.

Markus also pointed to broader reforms under Governor Sani’s leadership, highlighting strides in health, education, agriculture, security, and infrastructure. Farmers, he noted, are now receiving free fertiliser under an agricultural support scheme, while a 300-bed hospital at Millennium City has been completed and fully equipped.

Describing Sani as “a compassionate and people-focused leader,” the commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, ensuring that all 23 local government areas feel the impact of government programmes.