As measures to reduce the harsh effect of the fuel subsidy removal, Kwara state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved a palliative salary of N10,000 per month for employees.
The N10,000 monthly stipend is meant to ease the financial burden placed on workers as a result of the recent elimination of the gasoline subsidy.
On Monday, Chief Press Secretary to the governor Rafiu Ajakaye held a press conference at the Government House in Ilorin to announce the government’s decision.
Ajakaye said, “On top of the palliatives is a cash support of N10,000 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.
“In deference to the new advisory of the National Economic Council 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 initially implemented a 3-day work schedule for its civil servants but later suspended it in accordance with the advisory from the National Economic Council, which recommended that states should wait for a more comprehensive response to the situation.
The governor’s spokeswoman confirmed that “essential workers” will not be covered by the staggered work schedule.
