The Kebbi State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has firmly rejected claims made by Abubakar Malami, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), regarding the welfare of workers in the state. In a statement released in Birnin Kebbi, NLC chairman Usman Murtala criticized Malami's recent Independence Day address, labeling his promises as nothing more than political statements.

Murtala specifically pointed out that Malami's assurances concerning pensions and gratuities do not align with the reality faced by retired civil servants in Kebbi State. He emphasized that many retirees have been receiving their payments consistently, without any backlog issues. This assertion challenges Malami’s narrative and suggests that the situation may not be as dire as portrayed.

Furthermore, the NLC chairman took issue with Malami’s proposal to increase the minimum wage for workers in Kebbi to N110,000. Currently, the state government provides a minimum wage of N75,000, which includes leave grants. Murtala expressed skepticism about the feasibility of Malami's wage increase, stating that such claims could mislead the public.

In his statement, Murtala indicated that while the NLC typically refrains from engaging in political disputes, it felt compelled to respond to Malami’s assertions due to their direct implications for workers' welfare and conditions of service. He urged politicians to ensure that their public statements are grounded in factual information, particularly when addressing issues that significantly affect the lives of workers.

The NLC's response underscores the ongoing discourse surrounding workers' rights and welfare in Kebbi State, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability from political figures as the state approaches the upcoming elections.