Edo, Kwara Govts Roll Out ‘Palliatives’ To Mitigate Effects Of Fuel Subsidy Removal

• The Edo and Kwara State Governments have implemented measures to mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

• They have introduced free Wi-Fi services in public places and ministries to ensure uninterrupted internet access for workers.

• Additionally, the governments have deployed buses to support the transportation needs of students and workers in public tertiary institutions.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that in response to the recent removal of fuel subsidies by the Federal Government, the Edo State and Kwara State Governments have implemented various measures to cushion the effects on their workers and residents.

The Edo State Government has announced the provision of 24-hour free Wi-Fi service in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as well as other public places across the state.

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This initiative aims to ensure unlimited internet access for workers following the implementation of a three-day weekly work schedule.

Anthony Okungbowa, the Edo State Head of Service, emphasized the government’s commitment to productivity and efficiency amid the new work schedule.

He stated that the free Wi-Fi service would enable workers and others who require internet connectivity to perform their duties effectively.

The designated locations covered by the Wi-Fi service include the School of Nursing, Pensions Bureau, Victor Uwaifo Centre, Civil Service Commission, and the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy. Each site offers approximately 180 degrees of coverage.

Similarly, in Kwara State, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the deployment of government buses to support the transportation needs of students and workers in public tertiary institutions within the Ilorin metropolis and its environs.

This initiative, the second phase of measures implemented by the state government, aims to alleviate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal. The reduction in workdays for civil servants from five to three days per week was the initial measure taken, and additional palliatives were mapped out for workers whose duties could not be covered by the reduced work schedule.

According to Rafiu Ajakaye, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, large buses will be deployed starting June 14 to transport students of public tertiary institutions within the metropolis, including Kwara State University (KWASU). The coordinating Ministries, Agencies, and Departments (MDAs) will provide further details on the bus services.

Kwara State Government recognizes the challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidies and remains committed to supporting its workforce and the public.

To address the needs of workers whose duties are not covered by the reduced workdays, the government plans to provide additional allowances as a stopgap measure until the conclusion of the minimum wage review. The government is working diligently to ensure that appropriate support is given to these categories of workers.

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Both the Edo and Kwara State Governments reaffirm their commitment to creating an enabling environment for workers and residents. These initiatives underscore their dedication to finding innovative solutions and providing support to mitigate the effects of the fuel subsidy removal while fostering productivity and welfare in the respective states.

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