Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has taken measures to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal, introducing a series of multibillion naira palliatives to support various sectors and segments of the state’s population.
In a recent news briefing on Monday morning, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, announced the approval of several measures to alleviate the economic hardships caused by the subsidy removal.
The foremost measure is the implementation of a monthly cash support of N10,000 for all public sector workers in the state, starting from July. This support will continue until a new minimum wage is introduced, providing relief to workers who have been affected by the removal of fuel subsidy.
Governor AbdulRazaq also adhered to the advisory of the National Economic Council, directing the civil service leadership to implement a staggered work schedule, not exceeding three days a week. This approach aims to reduce transportation expenses for workers, lessening the burden on their finances during these challenging times.
To bolster the healthcare sector, the Governor has approved various allowances for medical professionals. Consultants and medical doctors under the government’s payroll will receive new hazard and skipping allowances, along with 100% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). Nurses working for the state government will also benefit from a new regime of allowances. These incentives are intended to curb attrition rates in the health sector and attract skilled professionals to enhance healthcare services for the people of Kwara State.
In addition to healthcare incentives, Governor AbdulRazaq has endorsed the immediate cash-backing of 2019 and 2020 promotions for Teaching Service Commission workers. Furthermore, the 2021 promotion exercise for teaching and non-teaching staff of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) will also receive cash-backing. Moreover, the restoration of steps for SUBEB workers is an appreciable policy response to their long-standing yearnings since 2016.
The Governor has extended free bus rides for students attending tertiary institutions in the state, ensuring access to education remains unhampered by economic challenges.
The state government will also activate a nonpartisan food distribution program to support poor and vulnerable households. The coordination of this initiative will involve respected stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious bodies, market leaders, trade unionists, and community-based organizations, to identify beneficiaries and facilitate efficient disbursement of aid.
Furthermore, the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) will allocate a conditional N500 million support for petty traders and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the state, bolstering economic resilience among entrepreneurs.
To enhance food security and agricultural output, the government will receive fertilizers and grains from the Federal Government, with modalities for handling to be communicated later.
Governor AbdulRazaq has also set up a committee to engage with marketers, addressing extortionist tendencies that lead to arbitrary price fixing of foodstuffs. Collaborating with market leaders, the government aims to find effective solutions to this challenge, mitigating the hardships faced by citizens.
Finally, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed solidarity with President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to sustainable economic reforms and the well-being of Nigerians. He likened the current discomforts to the pains preceding the birth of a joyful new era.
These multibillion naira interventions, though straining public funds, are a demonstration of the government’s empathy and commitment to supporting the people of Kwara State during this critical period.
