By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
In a sweeping act of redress, Governor Uba Sani on Tuesday ordered the immediate reinstatement of 37 local government workers in Kaduna State who were wrongfully disengaged nearly eight years ago, closing a chapter of uncertainty that began in 2017 and 2018.
The reinstatement, carried out by the Kaduna State Local Government Service Board, follows a full administrative review that found the original disengagement exercise violated due process and fairness. For the affected staff and their families, the decision ends almost a decade of unemployment, hardship and waiting.
Presenting the reinstatement letters to the beneficiaries in Kaduna, the Chairman of the Kaduna State Local Government Service Board, Professor Aminu Ladan Sherehu, said the governor gave his approval after the review confirmed irregularities in the 2017/2018 exercise.
“This action underscores His Excellency Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to correcting administrative injustices, upholding due process, and restoring confidence in our public service,” Prof. Sherehu stated.
He stressed that the move is about more than returning people to work.
“It is also about strengthening the local government system by bringing back experienced personnel whose knowledge and expertise are critical for effective grassroots governance and improved service delivery to our people,” he added.
The development drew swift praise from labour and civil society.
Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Kaduna State Council, Comrade Ayuba Magaji Suleiman, described the governor’s intervention as courageous and compassionate.
“This is a long-standing labour issue that has caused pain for many families. Governor Uba Sani has demonstrated leadership and respect for workers’ rights by addressing it head-on,” Comrade Suleiman said.
Several of the reinstated workers were visibly emotional as they received their letters. For many, the moment marked the end of nearly a decade of uncertainty, unemployment and financial hardship.
“This is a life-changing decision,” one of the beneficiaries said. “For eight years we lived with uncertainty. Today, hope has been restored. We thank Governor Uba Sani for giving us a second chance to serve Kaduna State.”
The workers pledged to reciprocate the gesture with “renewed dedication, loyalty and professionalism” in the discharge of their duties.
Political observers and civil society groups in the state have described the reinstatement as the latest example of Governor Uba Sani’s people-centred governance agenda.
Since assuming office, the governor has prioritized workers’ welfare, inclusive governance, and institutional reforms across the state’s ministries, departments and local governments.
The administration argues that restoring experienced hands to the local government system will help bridge capacity gaps and improve service delivery at the grassroots, where most citizens directly interact with government.
With this latest intervention, the Kaduna State Government says it remains committed to protecting workers’ rights, promoting justice and fairness, and building public institutions that Nigerians can trust.
The 37 reinstated staff are expected to resume duties at their respective local government councils immediately.
