Breaking: Jubilation as Nigerian Governor Approves Early Payment of February Salaries

Breaking: Jubilation as Nigerian Governor Approves Early Payment of February Salaries

  • Sokoto state governor, Ahmed Aliyu, approved the early payment of February 2026 salaries for civil servants and pensioners ahead of Ramadan
  • The directive, announced by Abubakar Bawa, ensured payments commenced from February 13, 2026, across state and local government workers
  • Governor Aliyu urged workers to reciprocate the gesture with dedication, punctuality and commitment to service

Sokoto state - There was excitement among workers in Sokoto state on Thursday, February 12, after Governor Ahmed Aliyu approved the early payment of February 2026 salaries ahead of the Ramadan fast.

In a statement issued by Abubakar Bawa, his director-general of media and publicity, the governor directed that salaries be paid from Friday, February 13, 2026, to enable workers to prepare adequately for the holy month.

Sokoto state governor, Ahmed Aliyu, approves early February 2026 salaries for civil servants and pensioners ahead of Ramadan fast.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto state ensures civil servants and pensioners receive February 2026 pay ahead of Ramadan fast. Photo credit: @shamsudden_vice
Source: Facebook

The statement issued via X and seen by Legit.ng on Thursday, February 12, stated that the payment covers employees in the state civil service, staff of local government councils, Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) workers, as well as pensioners across the state.

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Sokoto governor speaks on Ramadan preparations

Governor Aliyu said the decision was taken to ensure that civil servants and retirees begin the Ramadan period without financial strain.

He urged beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by demonstrating greater commitment to their duties.

According to him, workers are expected to be punctual, diligent and sincere in carrying out their responsibilities so that the administration can fulfil its promises to the people.

Sokoto governor calls for dedication, productivity

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to build a vibrant and efficient civil service capable of delivering quality service to residents of the state.

He also expressed appreciation to the people of Sokoto state for their continued support and prayers for his government.

The early disbursement of salaries has been widely welcomed by civil servants, many of whom described the move as timely as preparations for Ramadan gather pace.

When is Eid al-Fitr in 2026?

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Eid al-Fitr is considered one of the most significant and joyous events in the Islamic calendar. So, when is Eid al-Fitr in 2026? It is expected to be celebrated on either 19 March 2026 or 20 March 2026, depending on the sighting of the moon.

Ramadan: Civil servants and pensioners in Sokoto state get early February 2026 salaries as Governor Ahmed Aliyu acts.
Ahmed Aliyu, Sokoto state governor, authorises early payment of February 2026 salaries for workers and retirees ahead of Ramadan fast. Photo credit: Contribution.
Source: Getty Images

The event marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a time when believers express gratitude to Allah for providing them with the opportunity and strength to carry out His commands during the blessed month of Ramadan.

Ramadan 2026 will start on the evening of Tuesday, 17 February 2026 in Nigeria, and Eid al-Fitr is marked at the end of the month.

Abia gov approves salary adjustments for teachers

Previously, Legit.ng reported that Governor Alex Otti has approved the payment of adjusted minimum wage to staff of the Abia State Education Management Board and teachers.

Governor Otti’s administration in 2023 approved the implementation of the revised minimum wage, in line with the federal directive. The Special Adviser to Governor Otti on Basic and Secondary Education, Kenechukwu Nwosu, said the payment is part of the governor’s administration's efforts to enhance the welfare of education workers.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ezra Ukanwa avatar

Ezra Ukanwa (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Ezra Ukanwa is a Reuters-certified journalist with over 5 years of professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Anchor University, Lagos. Currently, he is the Politics and Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng, where he brings his expertise to provide incisive, impactful coverage of national events. Ezra was recognized as Best Campus Journalist at the Anchor University Communications Awards in 2019 and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Contact him at: ezra.ukanwa@corp.legit.ng or +2349036989944