Workers’ salaries: We are not owing in Niger – Gov. Bello

The Niger State Government has denied that it is owing its workers.
This position was contained in a statement by Jibrin Baba Ndace, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sani Bello, on Friday.
The statement reads in full: “The attention of Niger State government has been drawn to a rumour making round in the public  classifying the state as one of the states owing workers’ salaries.
“This is not true.
“We want to state that contrary to impression created by the rumours, Niger State is up to date in her obligations to her workers, as it has always strived to ensure that salaries are paid regularly since the assumption of office of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello.
“In fact the governor has initiated a lot programmes towards diversification of the economy as well as marshalled out strategies for boosting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to sustain its workforce and execute his cardinal priority projects for the state.
“To set the record straight, on assumption of office on the 29th of May 2015, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Sani Bello placed priority attention to the welfare of the entire work force in the state by placing payment of workers salaries on the first line charge and by ensuring prompt and regular payment to the Civil Servants.
“It is on record that despite the lean purse of the state and the dwindling national economy, Niger State Government has not defaulted in her statutory responsibility to its workers. Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has been alive to his responsibilities and is religiously and compassionately keeping his part of the social contract he entered to with the people of the state.
“Without being accused of blowing one’s Trumpet, no administration in the 40 year old state has enjoyed the high level of industrial harmony, peace and cordiality like that of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello. This, arguably is made possible due to the priority attention given to the welfare of the entire work force.
“We  assuring our committed Civil Servants  that regular and prompt payment of workers salaries will continue to be on first line charge. We are committed to ensuring a well motivated Civil Service for the challenges of the 21st Century.”