Kebbi’s Financial Strength Exposed: Governor Reveals Salary Survival Period Without FG Allocation

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has revealed that his administration has enough financial capacity to pay workers’ salaries and pensions for up to five consecutive months without relying on funds from the Federation Account.

The governor attributed the financial stability to what he described as prudent financial management and fiscal discipline maintained by his administration.

Idris made the disclosure on Monday in Birnin Kebbi while speaking at the opening of a Health Workers’ Summit organised by the Kebbi State Assembly of Health Workers.

The assembly comprises the Medical and Health Workers Union, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, laboratory technicians and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.

Speaking to the health workers, Idris recalled his background as a former national president of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and deputy president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

He said his experience in the labour movement had remained an important part of his identity and assured workers that his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare.

“I’ll not let you down or disappoint you; I’m still one of you.”

The governor also disclosed that shortly after assuming office, he lifted the embargo on employment in the state and recruited 5,166 workers into the civil service.

According to him, the recruitment included doctors, nurses and other health professionals.

Idris said his administration had also invested in improving the state’s healthcare system and implemented the new consolidated salary structure for doctors and other health workers.

“Immediately I assumed office as the executive governor, I lifted the embargo on employment and employed 5,166 workers into the civil service, including doctors, health workers and nurses.

“My administration has improved the health sector as well as implemented the new consolidated salary structure for doctors and health workers,” he added.