Eid-el-Fitr: Zamfara, Kano, Sokoto approve early March salaries for workers ahead of eid celebration

• Zamfara, Kano, and Sokoto states have approved early payment of March salaries ahead of Eid-el-Fitr
• The decision aims to ease financial pressure and help workers prepare for Sallah
• The Governors urged civil servants to remain dedicated and committed to their duties

Several northern states have approved the early payment of March salaries to civil servants and pensioners to enable them to prepare adequately for the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

The governments of Zamfara, Kano, and Sokoto announced the decision in separate statements, saying the move was intended to ease financial pressure on workers and retirees while allowing them to celebrate the Sallah festivities with dignity.

In Zamfara State, the government confirmed that all necessary arrangements had been concluded to ensure the prompt payment of salaries and pensions across the state.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Muhammad Dantawasa, the government said, “Necessary arrangements have been concluded to ensure the prompt payment of salaries and pensions to all beneficiaries across the state.”

Governor Dauda Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of civil servants and retirees.

According to him, “his government will continue to prioritise policies that improve the well-being of workers and retirees.”

He also called on workers to continue supporting government policies and pray for the peace and development of the state.

“We call on all civil servants and pensioners to continue supporting government policies and to pray for peace, unity, and sustained development in Zamfara State,” the governor said.

The Zamfara government concluded its message by extending goodwill to residents.

“The Zamfara State Government wishes all civil servants, pensioners, and the good people of the state a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Fitr celebration.”

Similarly, the Kano State Government directed the immediate payment of March salaries to enable workers to prepare ahead of the religious celebration.

The directive was issued by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, according to a statement from the Office of the Head of Service.

Acting Head of Service Bilkisu Shehu Maimota explained that the decision reflects the government’s concern for workers’ welfare.

She said, “The directive was given to enable workers to prepare adequately for the celebration of the forthcoming Eid el-Fitr (Sallah) in a convenient and dignified manner.”

Maimota added that the early payment demonstrates the administration’s appreciation of the dedication and contributions of civil servants to the state’s development.

She also urged workers to make responsible use of the gesture and remain committed to their duties.

“Utilise the gesture responsibly while continuing to demonstrate commitment, discipline, and efficiency in the discharge of their duties for improved service delivery in the state,” she said.

In Sokoto State, Governor Ahmed Aliyu also approved the immediate payment of March salaries to ensure workers observe the Eid-el-Fitr celebration with ease.

According to a statement signed by the Director General of Media and Publicity at Government House, Abubakar Bawa, the payment covers workers in the state civil service, local councils, Local Government Education Authority staff, and pensioners.

Governor Aliyu, who is currently in the Holy Land performing the Lesser Hajj, urged workers to reciprocate the government’s gesture with dedication.

“We expect our civil servants to be punctual, hardworking, committed, and above all, sincere in the discharge of their responsibilities,” he said.

He noted that the call was necessary given the important role civil servants play in achieving the administration’s Nine-Point Smart Innovative Agenda, which is aimed at building a more prosperous Sokoto State.

Aliyu added that his administration had ensured prompt salary payments, settled backlog gratuities inherited from the previous administration, and reintroduced monthly imprest to ministries, departments, and agencies.

He also disclosed that the state recently recruited 3,000 workers to strengthen the workforce and enhance productivity across government institutions.

“We have recently recruited 3,000 workers, to be deployed to various MDAs as part of efforts to enhance productivity within the workforce and ensure an effective division of labour across government institutions,” he said.

The governor urged experienced civil servants to mentor the newly recruited workers to improve service delivery across the state.

The early salary approvals across the states are expected to provide financial relief to workers and retirees as Muslims prepare to mark the end of the Ramadan fast with the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.