The Ekiti State government has announced a series of measures to mitigate the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy on its residents. These measures are in addition to the N500 billion relief package announced by President Bola Tinubu to alleviate the burden of increased petroleum prices nationwide. On Wednesday, Akin Oyebode, the Chairman of the State Palliatives Committee and Commissioner for Finance, outlined the initiatives.
The palliatives include the payment of one year’s leave bonus for state and local government workers, one month’s pension arrears for pensioners, and the implementation of consequential adjustment for workers on GL. 14 to GL. 17. Additionally, health workers at the local government level will receive a 90% CONHESS and 100% Hazard Allowance. Clinical staff of the Hospitals’ Management Board will benefit from salary parity, and workers will receive the financial benefits of promotions from 2020 and 2021.
Further measures include the immediate payment of one-month subvention arrears to tertiary institutions, the provision of free shuttle buses for workers and students to ease transportation, and the payment of N5,000 as a conditional cash transfer to 10,000 households from August to December 2023, with a focus on the elderly.
The palliatives also encompass the inclusion of 10,000 individuals in the Ulera Wa Health Insurance program and a food distribution initiative starting this month. Additionally, farmers will receive inputs and small businesses in the informal sector will receive financial support.
These interventions have been made possible by the additional revenues earned by the three tiers of government as a result of the difficult decisions taken by President Bola Tinubu. The Ekiti State government has acknowledged the hardship faced by the people and emphasized the importance of consultation with various groups to ensure an effective response.
Last week, the government of Ondo State also introduced similar measures, including free transportation for students and workers from August to December 2023, as well as grants for farmers and small-scale businesses. Overall, these palliatives aim to provide relief to the residents of Ekiti State impacted by the removal of fuel subsidy.
