Dr .Muttaqa Yusha’u

The 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) took place in 2025. This is one of the largest gatherings under the United Nations system larger even than the UN General Assembly.

What makes the ILO unique is its tripartite structure, bringing together representatives of workers, governments, and employers. It is a genuine example of democracy in action in the governance of work. Since its founding in 1919, the ILO has remained one of the oldest UN agencies, with a clear mandate to promote social justice.

The report of the ILO Director-General to the 113th Session, themed “Jobs, Rights and Growth,” captures the core dilemma confronting the world of work. Economic growth alone, without social justice, cannot address the mounting social and political unrest seen across the globe. Social and economic inequalities have grown significantly.

The working people who generate wealth continue to live in poverty, as the real value of wages declines due to market-driven and often unfriendly economic policies. Precarious jobs lacking fundamental rights at work are on the rise. Bridging the gaps between jobs, rights, and economic growth has become urgent.

A major highlight of the Conference was the adoption of the Resolution concerning the Promotion of Quality Apprenticeships, aimed at addressing youth unemployment and skills mismatch. This resolution recognizes that apprenticeships are a powerful tool for building the future workforce, but it emphasizes that quality and protection must be central to their design and implementation. It calls on member States to adopt a rights-based approach to apprenticeships that is consistent with existing international labour standards.

Additionally, the Conference held a general discussion on Decent Work in the Care Economy, which underlined the disproportionate burden on women in unpaid or underpaid care work and called for concrete action to formalize and recognize care work as central to sustainable development and social justice. The discussion resulted in the adoption of conclusions recommending stronger investment in the care economy, the protection of care workers’ rights, and the expansion of social protection coverage.

It is clear that isolated actions or blame-shifting among the social partners governments, workers, and employers who are central to addressing this triple dilemma, will not yield results. This is why the optimism expressed in the Director-General’s report, particularly his call for strengthening social dialogue as a key tool for achieving decent work in an increasingly unstable world, is so timely and important.

Unfortunately, in many countries, social dialogue is at a crossroads.

According to the ILO Global Social Dialogue Report 2024, only 35% of countries have strong and inclusive mechanisms for tripartite dialogue. In many African countries, these challenges are even more pronounced. Several factors undermine effective dialogue, including weak institutions, lack of trust among tripartite actors, limited technical capacity of trade unions, and political interference in labour relations.

Moreover, dialogue structures are often ad hoc and not institutionalized, making continuity and implementation difficult.
Shrinking civic space, legislative restrictions on union activity, and delays in tripartite consultations further erode the potential of social dialogue. For instance, in some countries, national labour advisory councils exist only in name, meeting irregularly and lacking real influence over labour market reforms. In others, economic austerity and structural adjustment policies imposed by international financial institutions have weakened collective bargaining and sidelined workers’ voices in national economic decision-making.

The Director-General’s call for embedding democratic values is therefore critical not just in principle, but in practice. Upholding the policies, processes, and institutions that enable inclusive dialogue is essential to restoring the credibility and effectiveness of the ILO’s mission, particularly in regions like Africa where the gap between formal frameworks and practical implementation remains wide.

The 113th Session also marked continued debates around the effective implementation of fundamental principles and rights at work. Follow-up discussions on Convention No. 190 (Violence and Harassment in the World of Work) and the enduring call for the ratification and enforcement of Convention No. 102 (Social Security Minimum Standards) reflect a shared concern that global labour standards must translate into real protections at the national level. Resolutions reiterated the ILO’s supervisory role and urged member States to close the widening gap between commitment and action.
Achieving growth with equity, as the report advocates, requires reinforcing democratic values and broadening civic space. It is concerning that these spaces are shrinking in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa, where restrictions on freedom of association and protest, along with weakening trade union rights, have limited the capacity of social partners to work collaboratively.

The question is: what must be done?
Social partners must ensure that the excellent discussions and declarations made in Geneva are not left behind. More robust national-level debates are needed especially across Africa, where unemployment, informality, and wage stagnation continue to deepen.

The conversation must continue on key issues such as promoting decent work for platform workers, adopting innovative approaches to the transition from the informal to the formal economy, and ensuring the practical realization of conventions and recommendations adopted at the Conference.

Only through shared responsibility and sustained dialogue can the ILO’s vision of decent work for all become a reality.

By Mahfouz Mustapha Maisikeli

As someone who has had the privilege of performing Hajj multiple times, I went into the 2025 pilgrimage expecting the usual: long queues, food complaints, poor logistics, and the everyday hustle for survival in the Holy Land.

But what I experienced this year as a pilgrim from Kano State under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, completely shattered those expectations—for good.

From the very beginning, the organization, coordination, and care shown to us were unlike anything I had seen in the past.

The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, empowered and restructured under Governor Abba’s administration, functioned not just efficiently, but with genuine compassion.

It became clear to us, even before departing Nigeria, that this year’s Hajj wasn’t business as usual—it was service with sincerity.

Food: No Longer a Source of Stress

One of the most common complaints among Nigerian pilgrims in years past has been the food. Either it arrives late, is culturally unfamiliar, or lacks quality.

This year, however, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf made it a priority to ensure that pilgrims received timely, culturally appropriate, and nutritious meals throughout our stay in both Makkah and Madinah.

The meals served reminded me of home—tuwo, miyan kuka, rice, even light Hausa snacks.

The Governor’s special committee on feeding, which included Hausa-speaking staff based in Saudi Arabia, ensured that the food was not only tailored to our dietary habits but also clean and hygienic.

I recall vividly how pilgrims from other states would jokingly ask to “share our food.”

Shelter: Comfort in the Holy Land

Accommodation, another sensitive topic, was handled with professionalism and foresight. Instead of overcrowded, poorly ventilated rooms, we were lodged in hotels within a reasonable walking distance to the Haram, equipped with working elevators, clean water, and constant electricity.

It was a drastic improvement from what I personally endured in 2019.

According to briefings we received, Governor Abba personally approved additional funds to upgrade accommodations beyond the basic packages negotiated by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON).

The results were visible and tangible—elderly pilgrims had easy access to medical facilities, while others enjoyed a level of comfort that made worship easier and stress-free.

Welfare: A Governor Who Cared—And Was Present

It is rare to feel the presence of a state governor while thousands of miles away from home. But this year, we felt more than presence—we witnessed it.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was physically with us in Makkah, walking among us, checking on our welfare, listening to complaints, and inspiring confidence.

In a moment that moved many pilgrims to tears, the Governor gifted each of the 3,345 Kano pilgrims the sum of 250 Saudi Riyals—a generous gesture of support and love amounting to 836,250 Riyals in total.

It wasn’t about the money alone; it was the symbolism of a leader who shares in the journey and sacrifices of his people.

His delegation regularly visited our lodgings, monitored our welfare, and offered listening ears to our feedback.

The Governor ensured that medical teams were stationed round-the-clock, and that volunteers were available to help the aged and infirm.

What touched me the most was how the state handled emergencies. One elderly woman in our group fell ill on the eve of Arafat. Within minutes, she was evacuated to a specialized hospital through arrangements already made by the welfare team.

She recovered fully and was even able to complete the rites—something that might not have been possible without such intervention.

Pilgrims Board: Outperforming International Operators

In a surprising twist, many private pilgrims I met along the way from the UK, USA, and even some Arab countries were shocked at the level of organization and support we enjoyed as state-sponsored pilgrims from Kano.

I can boldly say that the Kano State Pilgrims Board outperformed many international Hajj operators this year.

Governor Abba’s reformation of the Board—replacing political appointees with seasoned professionals, digitizing the registration process, and ensuring transparency in the selection of officials paid off.

We had guides who spoke both Arabic and Hausa, volunteers who handled luggage and wheelchairs, and spiritual leaders who offered daily sermons and moral guidance.

Leadership That Transcends Borders

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf did not just supervise this year’s Hajj—he walked with us, prayed with us, and supported us. His presence was felt in every act of kindness, in every moment of comfort, and in every system that worked. He reminded us that leadership is not about titles—it’s about impact.

As I stood on Mount Arafat, surrounded by fellow pilgrims from Kano and beyond, I couldn’t help but say a prayer for the man who made this journey not only bearable but beautiful.

May Allah reward him, protect him, and allow him to continue to serve the people of Kano with sincerity and compassion.

Indeed, this year’s Hajj was awesome—and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf made it so.

Mahfouz Mustapha Maisikeli, Kano.

It is truly baffling how individuals, comfortably seated in their air-conditioned offices and who are detached from the realities on ground, could issue such a watery, unsubstantiated and misleading statement, under the guise of public commentary. The recent publication by the so-called APC Patriotic Volunteers, led by Alhaji Usman Alhaji the former Secretary to Kano State Government (self acclaimed Wazirin Gaya), reeks of desperation, a feeble attempt to whitewash a sordid past and distract people from the genuine efforts being made by the NNPP-led administration under the capable leadership of His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Ideally, APC members should have buried their heads in shame, for the atrocities they had committed, which included: mismanagement and misappropriation of the resources of Kano people, self – enrichment and misuse of public properties

Let us set the record straight, point by point:

1. Water Supply: Mismanagement and Recovery

It is laughable and hypocritical for APC sympathizers to lament water scarcity when the current crisis is the direct fallout of years of neglect, decay, and mismanagement under their watch. The NNPP administration inherited a comatose water infrastructure but is already making measurable progress:

i.Procurement of 10 high-capacity water pumps to revamp the state’s water supply system.

ii.Drilling of 6 industrial boreholes.

Ongoing rehabilitation of distribution networks.

Your government never made such strategic or comprehensive interventions. Expecting instant results after years of neglect is unrealistic and disingenuous.

2. Education: From Ruins to Revitalization

The APC left Kano’s education sector in a deplorable state dilapidated classrooms, underpaid and demoralized teachers, zero strategic investment, and no annual increments or promotions. Under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf:

i.A State of Emergency on education was declared.

ii.Education budget allocations rose dramatically to 29% in 2024 and 31% in 2025 the highest in Kano’s history.

iii.Hundreds of classrooms are being renovated and newly constructed across all LGAs.

iv.Recruitment of qualified teachers is underway to fill critical gaps neglected for years.

To claim “little to see” is either blatant dishonesty or willful blindness.

3. Demolitions: Restoring Public Purpose

Yes, demolitions have occurred,but not out of vindictiveness. They are necessary actions to reclaim illegally acquired public lands. The APC shamelessly converted public assets and green spaces into private estates for cronies, including Filin Idi, Race Course, Kundila Housing Estate, State Road civil servant quarters, and more.

Unlike your era of privatization and land grabbing, the current government is restoring these spaces to serve public needs schools, hospitals, roads, and green areas. This is justice, not chaos.

4. Independent Power Project (IPP): Clarifying the Facts

The IPP was not an APC initiative. It was inherited in a fragmented state and was being deliberately dismantled. The NNPP administration intervened to restore the original plan and ensure electricity reaches strategic areas like Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities.

Even if you argue these estates benefit a few, remember that Kwankwasiyya City is the largest single housing estate in Kano state. When completed, it will significantly boost the state’s socio-economic prospects unlike the empty infrastructure projects under your administration, which served contractors more than the people.

5. Silencing Opposition? Promoting Responsible Media

No media house has been banned for airing opposition views. The recent agreement among media executives aimed to curb vulgar, indisciplined, and defamatory political programming that promotes hate speech and misinformation.

no fewer than 262 broadcast violations relating to politics and personality attacks were recorded in Kano State
within just two months (January–February 2025). Would you prefer we continue down a path that inevitably leads to unrest?

6. Ecological Funds: Tangible Actions

There is no dispute about the receipt of ecological funds. The difference lies in tangible project execution:

i.Bulbulawa in Ungogo LGA now has active erosion control works after years of neglect,by your administration.

ii.Wailari and several other erosion control projects are ongoing.

iii.Drainage rehabilitation and flood prevention are progressing in multiple roads in state capital and some LGAs.

If you cannot acknowledge this progress, at least refrain from misleading the public.

7. External Borrowing and Transparency

Your administration was infamous for accruing debts without transparency or accountability. We challenge you to publicly disclose:

The total debts acquired under the Ganduje administration.

Detailed reports on how those debts were utilized.

The NNPP administration, unlike yours, has not taken any foreign loans since assuming office. The books are open for public scrutiny.

8. Salary and Pension Irregularities: Accountability in Action

Irregularities discovered in April salary payments were promptly addressed with disciplinary actions a hallmark of transparency. Contrast this with your tenure, where:

i.Civil servants were often unaware of their exact salary figures.

ii.Salaries and pensions were arbitrarily cut.

iv.Payroll fraud thrived unchecked with ghost workers on the payroll.

v. Under your administration hundreds of pensioners died without receiving their legitimate gratuity after serving the state fir over 30 years.

9. Local Government Autonomy and Emirate Disputes

Pretending to champion local government autonomy is hollow when your government controlled all 44 LGAs as mere extensions of the State Executive Council. The current administration is working to ensure LGAs are governed by elected officials, not puppets.

Regarding the Emirate dispute, it remains a matter before competent courts. The NNPP government consistently respects the rule of law, unlike your blatant disregard for multiple court rulings during your demolition excesses.

10. Legitimacy and Performance

It is irresponsible to brand this government “illegitimate” when INEC declared it the winner and courts upheld the results. Attempts to rewrite history with propaganda only tarnish the APC’s already dwindling reputation in Kano.

Instead of bitter attacks, the APC should answer:

Why were schools left in ruins?

Why was water unavailable for years despite billions spent?

Why were public properties sold to cronies?

Why were debts piled without meaningful progress?

CONCLUSION

The NNPP-led Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf may not be perfect, but it is genuinely working restoring sanity, investing in people, and rebuilding Kano from the ruins your administration left behind. Your desperate attempt to undermine these efforts with long-winded propaganda filled with half-truths and unverified allegations insults the intelligence of the Kano people.

We urge the APC to come forward with facts or allow this government to work in peace. The people of Kano know better now.

Signed:
Tijjani Sarki,
Secretary General,
Eye on Kano Initiative
Kano, Nigeria
11th June 2025