With utmost concern for the well-being of citizens, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has assured labour unions and residents of Ogun State that his government is actively intensifying efforts to alleviate the difficulties arising from the fuel subsidy removal.
The governor took the opportunity to inform the labor unions about his government’s efforts to ameliorate the effects of fuel subsidy removal while engaging with them during their peaceful protest at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Speaking on behalf of Abiodun, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, underscored the state government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and well-being of the people, highlighting the collaborative endeavours aimed at enhancing their quality of life, particularly in the present circumstances.
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To ameliorate the effects of fuel subsidy removal, the state helmsman highlighted a series of prompt actions, such as disbursing a cash palliative of N10,000 to each public servant and pensioner, granting hazard allowance to health and medical personnel, approving peculiar allowance for public servants, releasing promotion letters for 2021 and 2022 without delay, and introducing various other relief measures.
‘What we are waiting for now, are the resolutions of the meeting between the Federal Government and the labour unions. As soon as a decision is reached, we can then take it up from there. We are not unaware of the momentary pains that come with fuel subsidy removal,’ the governor said.
The administration has taken proactive measures to ensure inclusivity in the distribution of palliative support.
Immediate cash-backing for quarterly pensioners’ gratuity payments has been approved, while preparations for providing food palliatives to vulnerable segments of the population are well underway.
Additionally, to mitigate the impact of fuel price escalation, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the government are introducing a 20 per cent off-duty system for their employees.
Presenting a letter to the governor, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ogun State Chapter, and his counterpart in the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrades Hammed Benco Ademola and Akeem Lasisi, respectively, brought attention to some of their key demands.
These demands encompassed the immediate and sincere implementation of the resolutions jointly signed by the labour congress and the government, as well as the swift reversal of all anti-poor policies concerning the recent increases in fuel prices, school fees, and Value Added Tax (VAT).
Additionally, they urged the government to address the issue of local refineries and tackle other pertinent matters affecting the populace.
In a plea to the state government, they implored swift action on their requests, emphasising the paramount importance of addressing these concerns for the collective well-being of the people of the state.