Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has taken significant steps to mitigate the impact of the recent petrol subsidy removal on various segments of the state’s population.
In a press conference held at the Government House in Ilorin on Monday, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, announced the approval of ‘multi-billion naira’ palliatives to address the economic challenges caused by the subsidy removal.
Earlier in June, the state government had introduced a three-day workweek adjustment as a measure to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal and rising transportation costs. However, the directive was later suspended following an advisory from the national economic council (NEC).
Governor Abdulrazaq’s decision to approve the palliatives comes in response to the NEC’s new advisory, which encourages states to devise their own independent strategies to mitigate the impact of the subsidy removal.
One of the key palliatives is the implementation of a cash support program for public servants in the state. Starting in July, every public servant will receive N10,000 in cash support, which will continue until a new minimum wage is introduced.
In addition to the cash support, the governor has also approved the payment of new hazard and skipping allowances, as well as 100 percent CONMESS for consultants and medical doctors under the government’s payroll.
Nurses working for the state government will also enjoy enhanced allowances to curb attrition in the health sector and attract skilled medical professionals, thereby improving healthcare services for the people of the state.
To address the needs of vulnerable households, the state government will initiate a nonpartisan occasional distribution of food. A government team, supported by respected stakeholders, will coordinate the distribution, with inputs from traditional rulers, religious bodies, market leaders, trade unionists, and community-based organizations to generate beneficiary lists and ensure fair disbursement.
The Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) will play a crucial role by activating N500 million worth of conditional support for petty traders and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.
To boost agricultural productivity and food security, the government will procure fertilizers and grains from the federal government, with further details on modalities to be provided later.
Furthermore, Governor Abdulrazaq has approved the extension of free bus rides for students of tertiary institutions and the continuation of the three-day work schedule to further ease the burden on the people.
The governor emphasized that these interventions are driven by empathy, and the state will deploy as many resources as possible to support its citizens during this challenging period. He also expressed his commitment to set up a committee to engage with marketers and curb extortionist practices that lead to arbitrary price hikes on food items, causing hardship for the people.
Governor Abdulrazaq acknowledged and commended the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in championing sustainable economic reforms and prioritizing the well-being of the Nigerian people. He likened the current discomfort to the pains experienced before the joyful birth of a child, suggesting that the nation is on the path to a better future.
These measures are expected to alleviate the financial strain caused by the petrol subsidy removal and contribute to the welfare of the people of Kwara State. The governor’s proactive approach reflects his commitment to the well-being of the state’s citizens during these challenging economic times.
Comments are closed.