Somto Bisina
The Ogun state government has given its approval for a cash palliative of N10,000 to be granted to each of its public servants and pensioners.
This measure is aimed at cushioning the impact of the recent fuel subsidy removal. Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), made this announcement in a statement, revealing that the palliative would be in effect for the first three months.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe primary objective of this financial aid is to help workers cope with the economic shocks arising from the fuel subsidy removal. The payment of the palliative is scheduled to commence in July.
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Additionally, the state government intends to provide food palliatives to individuals considered vulnerable. Furthermore, the state government has taken other steps to support its workforce and citizens.
Hazard allowance has been approved for all health and medical personnel, while a special allowance will be given to public servants in the state. The government will also expedite the release of promotion letters for 2021 and 2022 and provide payment for March and April 2023 leave bonuses for public servants.
Moreover, quarterly gratuities for pensioners will be promptly cash-backed. These measures are aligned with the current realities in the country and reflect the government’s commitment to mitigating the effects of fuel subsidy removal on the well-being of its citizens.
To ease the burden of the fuel price increase on public servants, the state’s ministries, departments, and agencies will organize a daily off-duty schedule for 20% of their staff.
Additionally, the Gateway Trading Company has been tasked with establishing food distribution outlets throughout the state, selling food items at rates that were prevalent before the fuel subsidy removal.
In line with President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to combat food insecurity, the state will also set up a commodity exchange to optimize investments in the agro-allied sector of the economy.
To tackle transportation costs, the state government will convert state-owned mass transit buses, staff buses, and current public transportation buses to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). This conversion will enable the buses to charge rates comparable to those prior to deregulation.
The first set of CNG buses is already in the final stages of implementation and will be operational soon. Additionally, the government will acquire new CNG buses to further ease transportation in the state, maintaining fares similar to pre-subsidy removal rates.
Lastly, the government has urged local governments, Community Development Associations, and community leaders to submit three roads each in need of immediate rehabilitation for intervention.
Yorubas Governors saving Yoruba blanders.