Kwara Gov Approves Monthly Palliative for Workers Amid Fuel Subsidy Removal

In a bid to alleviate the economic challenges faced by workers in Kwara State following the recent fuel subsidy removal, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved a monthly palliative of N10,000 for public sector workers.

The decision was announced during a press conference at the Government House in Ilorin on Monday.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, conveyed the government’s response to the economic impacts of the fuel subsidy removal. He stated, “On top of the palliatives is a cash support of N10,000 for every public sector worker in the state, which will begin this month (July) and last until a new minimum wage is introduced to enable workers to cope with the economic shocks created by the subsidy removal.”

To further assist workers, Governor AbdulRazaq directed the leadership of the civil service to maintain a staggered work schedule, limiting work to no more than three days a week. This measure aims to reduce transportation expenses for workers. However, the staggered work plan will not apply to essential workers, as clarified by the governor’s spokesperson.

Additionally, the governor has approved various measures to support the health sector in the state. This includes the payment of new hazard and skipping allowances, as well as 100% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for consultants and medical doctors under the government’s payroll.

Furthermore, a new regime of allowances for nurses working for the state government has been endorsed to improve healthcare services.

The state government is also focused on addressing promotion-related issues for workers. The governor has approved the immediate cash-backing of 2019 and 2020 promotions for Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) workers. In the same vein, cash-backing for the 2021 promotion exercise of teaching and non-teaching staff of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has been granted, along with the restoration of steps for them.

Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration is committed to supporting the education sector as well. The extension of free bus rides for students of tertiary institutions in the state has been approved, ensuring better access to education for the youth.

To assist vulnerable households, the government plans to activate occasional food distribution in the next few days. This nonpartisan initiative will be coordinated by a government team, in collaboration with respected stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious bodies, market leaders, trade unionists, and community-based organizations.

The Governor has also given the green light to the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP), designed to provide conditional support worth N500 million for petty traders and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the state. Furthermore, the state government will procure fertilizers and grains from the Federal Government to boost farming outputs and ensure food security.

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In response to the arbitrary fixing of food prices, the government will establish a committee to engage with marketers and address extortionist tendencies. The committee will seek to create fairer pricing structures for essential commodities.

Governor AbdulRazaq’s multi-faceted interventions aim to demonstrate empathy and utilize available resources to support the people of Kwara State during this challenging period. The initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to the well-being and prosperity of its citizens, as they navigate the impacts of the fuel subsidy removal.