Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved a N10,000 monthly palliative allowance for workers.
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governor of Kwara state, has approved a N10,000 monthly palliative for workers.
On Monday, July 24, 2023, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, addressed a press conference at the Government House in Ilorin.
The fund is intended to assist workers in dealing with the economic consequences of the recent loss of fuel subsidies.
“On top of the palliatives is a N10,000 cash support 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,” Ajakaye added.
“In deference to the National Economic Council’s new advisory for states to design their own independent responses to the development, the governor has directed the leadership of the civil service to continue a staggered work schedule — not exceeding three days a week — to reduce transportation expenses for workers,” he said.
Kwara had already implemented a three-day work week for civil servants, but it was postponed in respect to an earlier NEC guideline urging states to wait for a more comprehensive reaction to the development.
The governor’s spokeswoman confirmed that the staggered work arrangement will not include “essential workers.”
“The governor has also approved the payment of new hazard and skipping allowances, as well as 100% CONMESS for consultants and medical doctors on the government payroll, beginning this month, July.”
“He also approved a new system of allowances for state government nurses.” “The whole point is to reduce attrition in the health sector and attract and retain doctors and specialists to provide better, more qualitative healthcare to the people of the state,” he added.
“The governor has also endorsed the immediate cash-backing of Teaching Service Commission promotions for 2019 and 2020.” The administration had previously cash-backed promotion arrears for TESCOM for the years 2015-2018.
“In the same vein, he has approved cash-backing for the 2021 promotion exercise of SUBEB’s teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as the restoration of all of their steps.” This is a policy solution to SUBEB workers’ longings since 2016, when they no longer had steps.
“The Governor also approved the extension of free bus rides for students at the state’s tertiary institutions, while modalities for occasional distribution of food to poor and most vulnerable households will be activated in the coming days.”
“This will be nonpartisan and coordinated by a government team supported by respected stakeholders, who will solicit input from traditional rulers, religious bodies, market leaders, trade unionists, and community-based organisations in order to generate lists of beneficiaries and disburse accordingly.”
“The entire point of these interventions, which consume billions of naira in public funds, is to demonstrate empathy and deploy as many resources as the state can afford to support the people during this difficult time.”
“The state government will receive and pay for fertilisers and grains from the federal government.” It is not for free. Modalities for dealing with these will be made available in the future. This will increase agricultural output and food security in the state.
“The governor has also endorsed the immediate cash-backing of Teaching Service Commission promotions for 2019 and 2020.” The administration had already cash-backed promotion arrears for TESCOM for 2015-2018.”
