On August 27, 2025, the Kaduna State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) commended Governor Uba Sani for his administration’s efforts to reinstate over 23,000 teachers dismissed during the tenure of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The praise was delivered by NLC State Chairman Ayuba Suleiman during a meeting with members of the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ), who are conducting a Governance Assessment visit across Kaduna’s 23 local government areas.
Suleiman highlighted the reinstatement of head teachers, administrative staff, and science teachers as a deliberate move to address past injustices. Additionally, he lauded Governor Sani’s approval of a N72,000 minimum wage for lower-grade civil servants and the introduction of free transportation for workers and students, measures aimed at alleviating economic hardships. This article explores the NLC’s commendation, the context of the teacher dismissals, the broader implications for workers’ welfare, and the significance of the NGIJ’s governance assessment in Kaduna.
A Step Toward Redressing Past Wrongs
The reinstatement of over 23,000 teachers dismissed between 2018 and 2021 under former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s administration marks a significant policy shift under Governor Uba Sani. Ayuba Suleiman, speaking to the NGIJ delegation, described the dismissals as a sweeping and controversial move that affected a broad spectrum of educators, including the then-National President of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT). The El-Rufai administration justified the terminations as part of a broader reform to improve the quality of education by removing unqualified teachers, following a competency test that many educators failed. However, the policy sparked widespread protests and criticism from labor unions, who argued that it was poorly implemented and unfairly targeted dedicated professionals.
Suleiman praised Governor Sani’s decision to reinstate head teachers, administrative staff, and science teachers, emphasizing that the action reflects a deliberate effort to redress past wrongs. “Governor Sani’s reinstatement of these teachers demonstrates a commitment to fairness and justice,” he said, noting that the move has restored hope among affected educators and their families. The reinstatement process, which began shortly after Sani assumed office in May 2023, prioritizes key roles critical to the education sector, particularly in science and administration, addressing gaps in teaching capacity and school management.
The reinstatement is part of a broader effort to rebuild trust between the government and labor unions, which were strained during El-Rufai’s tenure due to policies perceived as anti-worker. By addressing the grievances of dismissed teachers, Sani’s administration is fostering a more collaborative relationship with the NLC and NUT, signaling a shift toward inclusive governance. This move also aligns with the administration’s focus on improving education outcomes, as reinstating experienced educators can enhance teaching quality and support Kaduna’s ambition to become a regional education hub.
Enhancing Workers’ Welfare: The N72,000 Minimum Wage
In addition to the teacher reinstatements, Suleiman commended Governor Sani for approving a new minimum wage of N72,000 for civil servants on grade levels 1 to 7, effective from August 2025. This decision follows the federal government’s approval of a new national minimum wage in July 2024, aimed at addressing the rising cost of living driven by inflation and the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023. The new wage, a significant increase from the previous N30,000 minimum, reflects Sani’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare and ensuring that civil servants can cope with economic challenges.
Suleiman noted that discussions are ongoing to implement consequential adjustments for senior staff on higher grade levels, which would further increase the state’s monthly wage bill by an estimated N1.2 billion. These adjustments, which involve aligning salaries across grade levels to reflect the new minimum wage, are critical for maintaining equity and morale among civil servants. The NLC chairman expressed optimism about the negotiations, stating that the government’s willingness to engage with labor unions demonstrates a commitment to fair compensation and worker satisfaction.
The implementation of the N72,000 minimum wage is a significant step toward addressing the economic strain faced by workers in Kaduna, particularly in the context of rising inflation, which reached 34.2 percent nationally in July 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The wage increase is expected to boost purchasing power, improve living standards, and stimulate local economies in Kaduna’s 23 local government areas. By prioritizing lower-grade civil servants, the policy also promotes inclusivity, ensuring that the most vulnerable workers benefit from government interventions.
Free Transportation: Cushioning Economic Hardships
Another key initiative highlighted by Suleiman is Governor Sani’s introduction of a fleet of 20 buses to provide free transportation for workers and students in Kaduna. This intervention, launched in response to the economic challenges triggered by the removal of fuel subsidies, aims to reduce commuting costs and improve access to workplaces and educational institutions. The fuel subsidy removal, a flagship policy of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has led to a sharp increase in transportation costs, placing a heavy burden on workers and students, particularly in urban centers like Kaduna metropolis.
Suleiman described the free transportation initiative as a “crucial step to cushion the economic strain” faced by residents. The buses, deployed across key routes in Kaduna, provide a practical solution to the rising cost of living, enabling workers to save on commuting expenses and students to attend classes without financial barriers. This initiative aligns with the state’s broader commitment to social welfare, ensuring that economic reforms do not disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
The transportation program also supports Kaduna’s education and economic goals by improving access to schools and workplaces. By reducing absenteeism and enhancing mobility, the initiative contributes to higher productivity and better educational outcomes. It also reflects Governor Sani’s focus on inclusive governance, as the buses serve both urban and peri-urban areas, ensuring that residents across different socioeconomic backgrounds benefit from the program.
The NGIJ Governance Assessment: A Tool for Accountability
The NLC’s commendation of Governor Sani coincided with a Governance Assessment visit by the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ), who are engaging stakeholders across Kaduna’s 23 local government areas. The NGIJ’s initiative aims to evaluate the performance of state and local governments, focusing on governance, service delivery, and public welfare. Using questionnaires and other investigative tools, the NGIJ is gathering data from government officials, civil society organizations, and citizens to provide a comprehensive assessment of Kaduna’s governance landscape.
The NGIJ’s presence in Kaduna underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. By engaging with stakeholders like the NLC, the guild is collecting firsthand insights into the impact of government policies on workers and communities. The assessment is expected to produce a detailed report on Governor Sani’s administration, highlighting achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement. This initiative aligns with the broader push for participatory democracy in Nigeria, where citizens and civil society play a critical role in holding leaders accountable.
The NGIJ’s visit also provides an opportunity for the government to showcase its achievements, such as the teacher reinstatements, minimum wage implementation, and free transportation program. By engaging with journalists and stakeholders, Governor Sani’s administration can build public trust and demonstrate its commitment to addressing the needs of Kaduna residents. The assessment’s findings are likely to influence public perception and policy debates, providing valuable feedback for the government as it navigates its second year in office.
The Context of El-Rufai’s Teacher Dismissals
The reinstatement of dismissed teachers must be understood in the context of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s controversial education reforms. Between 2018 and 2021, the El-Rufai administration implemented a competency test for primary school teachers, resulting in the dismissal of over 23,000 educators deemed unqualified. The policy aimed to address systemic issues in Kaduna’s education sector, including low literacy rates and poor academic performance. However, it faced fierce opposition from the NUT and NLC, who argued that the test was poorly designed and failed to account for the broader challenges facing teachers, such as inadequate training and resources.
The dismissal of the NUT’s National President was a particularly contentious issue, escalating tensions between the government and labor unions. The policy led to protests, strikes, and legal battles, with unions accusing the administration of undermining workers’ rights. The reinstatements under Governor Sani represent a reversal of this policy, signaling a shift toward reconciliation and collaboration with labor unions.
Implications for Kaduna’s Education and Economy
The reinstatement of teachers has significant implications for Kaduna’s education sector, which serves over 2 million students across primary and secondary schools. By bringing back experienced educators, particularly in critical areas like science and administration, the government is addressing teacher shortages and improving the quality of education. This is particularly important in a state with high poverty rates and educational disparities, where access to quality schooling can transform lives and communities.
The N72,000 minimum wage and free transportation initiatives also have far-reaching economic implications. By increasing workers’ disposable income and reducing commuting costs, these policies stimulate local economies, supporting small businesses and markets in Kaduna. The wage increase is expected to boost consumer spending, while the transportation program enhances mobility, enabling workers to access job opportunities and students to attend classes regularly.
These initiatives align with Governor Sani’s broader vision of inclusive governance and economic empowerment. By prioritizing workers’ welfare and education, the administration is addressing key drivers of poverty and inequality, fostering a more equitable and prosperous Kaduna. The policies also complement federal efforts under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes job creation, social welfare, and economic diversification.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Governor Sani’s initiatives have been widely praised, they face significant challenges. The reinstatement of teachers requires careful integration to ensure that educators are adequately trained and supported to meet modern teaching standards. The government must also address the underlying issues that led to the original dismissals, such as teacher training and curriculum development, to ensure sustainable improvements in education.
The implementation of the N72,000 minimum wage and consequential adjustments for senior staff will increase Kaduna’s wage bill by an estimated N1.2 billion monthly, posing a fiscal challenge for a state with competing budgetary priorities. Sustaining this commitment will require prudent financial management and revenue generation, including leveraging Kaduna’s agricultural and industrial potential.
The free transportation program, while impactful, faces logistical challenges, such as maintaining the bus fleet and expanding coverage to rural areas. Ensuring the program’s sustainability will require investment in infrastructure and partnerships with private sector operators.
Despite these challenges, the initiatives present significant opportunities. The reinstatement of teachers can position Kaduna as a leader in education reform, attracting investment in schools and training programs. The minimum wage increase and transportation program can enhance worker productivity and economic activity, supporting Kaduna’s growth as a commercial hub in Northern Nigeria. The NGIJ’s governance assessment offers an opportunity to showcase these achievements, building public trust and encouraging further reforms.
Conclusion
The Kaduna State NLC’s commendation of Governor Uba Sani on August 27, 2025, reflects the administration’s commitment to addressing past injustices and enhancing workers’ welfare. The reinstatement of over 23,000 dismissed teachers, the implementation of a N72,000 minimum wage, and the introduction of free transportation for workers and students demonstrate Sani’s focus on inclusive governance and economic empowerment. The NGIJ’s Governance Assessment visit provides a platform to evaluate these initiatives, fostering transparency and accountability.
By addressing the challenges of education, worker welfare, and economic hardship, Governor Sani is laying the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous Kaduna. The collaboration between the government, labor unions, and civil society, as exemplified by the NLC and NGIJ, is critical for sustaining these efforts. As Kaduna navigates its development journey, these initiatives position the state as a model for governance and social progress in Nigeria.
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