The Managing Director of the Refuse Management and Sanitation Board (REMASAB), Dr. Mohammed S. Khalil, has revealed that the Kano State Government has cleared the outstanding 16-month allowances owed to sanitary inspectors engaged as casual workers by the previous administration.
Dr. Khalil disclosed while responding to concerns raised by a group of sanitary inspectors who recently staged a protest over welfare-related issues.
According to the REMASAB boss, although the affected workers were recruited under the former administration, the current government, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, took a compassionate approach by providing the funds required to settle the backlog of unpaid allowances.
He said the intervention was aimed at addressing the hardship faced by the workers and demonstrating the government’s commitment to the welfare of citizens.
“Alhamdulillah, with the mercy of Almighty God, we have successfully settled the issue,” Dr. Khalil stated.
The REMASAB Managing Director, however, noted that an internal review revealed that a significant number of those involved in the protest did not possess the environmental health qualifications required for the sanitary inspector position.
According to him, about 80 per cent of the protesters were not holders of environmental health certificates, raising concerns about their eligibility for the role.
Despite this, he said Governor Yusuf directed the board to create alternative employment opportunities for interested individuals as street cleaners under the state’s sanitation program.
Dr. Khalil explained that the governor’s decision was informed by his administration’s commitment to supporting vulnerable and economically disadvantaged residents.
Under the arrangement, those willing to take up the offer were to be employed as street cleaners with a monthly salary of N20,000.
“His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is deeply concerned about the welfare of the less privileged. That was why he directed us to provide an alternative means of livelihood for those interested,” he said.
The REMASAB chief, however, disclosed that none of the protesters accepted the employment offer extended to them by the board.
Meanwhile, the leader of the protesting workers appealed directly to Governor Yusuf for further intervention, expressing confidence in the governor’s reputation for supporting ordinary citizens and addressing their concerns.
He urged the state government to reconsider its demands, insisting that the affected workers were seeking a more sustainable solution to their employment challenges.
The development highlights ongoing efforts by the Kano State Government to address inherited labour issues while balancing employment opportunities and professional standards within the state’s sanitation sector.
