Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has taken significant steps to mitigate the impact of petrol subsidy removal by approving substantial palliatives to benefit various segments of the state's population.
Earlier, the state government had announced a three-day workweek adjustment as a measure to counter the effects of the subsidy removal and high transportation costs. However, this directive was put on hold following an advisory from the national economic council (NEC).
In line with the new advisory from NEC, Governor Abdulrazaq has now sanctioned the implementation of multi-billion naira palliatives tailored to neutralize the effects of the recent petrol subsidy removal.
Among the palliatives is a monthly cash support of N10,000 for every public servant in the state, starting from July and continuing until a new minimum wage is introduced. The governor has also approved new hazard and skipping allowances, as well as 100 percent CONMESS for consultants and medical doctors under the government's payroll.
In addition, nurses working for the state government will receive enhanced allowances to address attrition rates in the health sector and attract skilled medical professionals.
To support the vulnerable households, the state will soon implement a nonpartisan food distribution program, organized by a government team and supported by respected stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious bodies, market leaders, trade unionists, and community-based organizations.
The Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) will also activate conditional support worth N500 million for petty traders and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.
Furthermore, to enhance farming, food security, and agricultural output, the state government will pay for fertilizers and grains from the federal government.
Governor Abdulrazaq has also approved the extension of free bus rides for tertiary institution students and will continue the three-day work schedule.
The primary objective of these interventions is to demonstrate empathy and allocate available resources to support the people during this challenging period. The government is committed to establishing a committee to address extortionist tendencies among marketers, specifically arbitrary foodstuff price fixing, which adversely affects everyone.
Governor Abdulrazaq expressed solidarity with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's dedication to sustainable economic reforms and the well-being of the Nigerian populace. He believes that the current difficulties are temporary and will ultimately lead to positive outcomes akin to the joyous birth of a child.
