Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has taken significant measures to mitigate the impact of the recent removal of fuel subsidy in the state. To support various sectors and demographics affected by this decision, the Governor has approved a series of multibillion naira palliatives.
One of the key initiatives is providing cash support of N10,000 to every public sector worker in the state. This financial aid will be distributed starting this month (July) and will continue until a new minimum wage is introduced. The aim is to help workers cope with the economic challenges caused by the subsidy removal.
In accordance with the National Economic Council’s new advisory for states to devise independent responses to the situation, the Governor has instructed the civil service leadership to implement a staggered work schedule. This schedule will not exceed three days a week, reducing transportation expenses for the workers.
Notably, essential workers will not be subject to the staggered work plan. In addition to the cash support for public sector workers, the Governor has approved various other measures to alleviate the impact on different sectors.
For the health sector, the Governor has sanctioned new hazard and skipping allowances, as well as 100% CONMESS (Consolidated Medical Salary Structure) for consultants and medical doctors under the government’s payroll. Moreover, a new regime of allowances has been introduced for nurses working for the state government. These measures are aimed at reducing attrition in the health sector and attracting and retaining medical professionals to provide improved healthcare services for the people of the state.
The Governor has also supported the payment of 2019 and 2020 promotion arrears for Teaching Service Commission workers. Furthermore, cash-backing has been approved for the 2021 promotion exercise for teaching and non-teaching staff of SUBEB (State Universal Basic Education Board) along with the restoration of steps for all of them. This addresses the long-standing yearnings of SUBEB workers since 2016 when they lost their steps.
To provide additional relief, the extension of free bus rides for students of tertiary institutions in the state has been endorsed. Additionally, modalities for the occasional distribution of food to poor and vulnerable households will be activated in the coming days. This distribution will be carried out in a nonpartisan manner, with coordination from a government team supported by respected stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious bodies, market leaders, trade unionists, and community-based organizations. Beneficiaries will be identified and disbursements made accordingly.
The Governor has allocated significant funds from the state’s budget to implement these interventions, demonstrating empathy and a commitment to support the people during this challenging time. Furthermore, the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) will activate a N500 million conditional support program for petty traders and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.
To boost farming outputs and food security, the state government will purchase fertilizers and grains from the Federal Government. A committee will be established to engage with marketers and address the issue of arbitrary price fixing on food items, with the goal of curbing extortionist practices.
The Governor extends his solidarity with President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his dedication to sustainable economic reforms and the well-being of the Nigerian people. He believes that the current discomforts are akin to the pains preceding the joyful birth of a child, indicating his optimism for the positive outcomes that lie ahead.
