Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State unveiled a new initiative on Thursday, offering a 25% discount on fares for public transportation services operated by the government.
During a live media interaction, the governor offered updates on strategies being implemented to ease the economic challenges faced by residents of Lagos.
Addressing the pressing economic situation, the Lagos State House of Assembly announced on Tuesday its decision to summon the commissioners for agriculture and transportation, seeking updates on their efforts to enhance the well-being of residents across the state.
As part of efforts to address economic challenges, the governor announced that civil servants from levels one to 14 would adopt a three-day work schedule, aiming to ease the burden on residents.
‘As a government, we cannot be everything and everywhere but we can provide and create avenues for others to join us. The first we have done or will be doing from today going forward is that we want to start with our public servants. Even the challenge that we see now, can we be creative and have flexible working hours? So immediately from next week, we are working out the plans where civil servants from levels one to 14 will come to the office a maximum of three times a week. Not that any form of government will be shut down, it will all be calendarised and it will be on schedule. Levels 15 to 17 will miss work a day,’ he said.
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On transport, Sanwo-Olu said, ‘We are also implementing a 25 per cent reduction on transport services for the state public transport system (BRT, train, ferry), putting back over N500m monthly into the pockets of Lagosians. With the Red Line Rail about to be launched, there will be a lot more options for our residents. We are also in discussions with various unions to reduce their fares, and we will announce any new developments.’
The governor said the state would be exploring three major avenues to ensure Lagosians get affordable foodstuffs to ease the economic burden.
‘We will open soup kitchens/bowls where identified caterers (mama put) will be employed across local government areas to feed those who need it, once daily. Beneficiaries will get vouchers to be able to access the kitchens. We will also be having food purchases and redistribution to people who need it, especially as we are currently expecting about 100 trailer loads of rice and grains.’
‘Also, we will be having Sunday markets in 42 identified markets where people can buy cheaply at discounted rates. Purchase will however be limited to N25,000 to ensure that those who really need it benefit from the initiative.’
Sanwo-Olu’s recent healthcare decree brings significant relief, with the announcement of complimentary delivery services across all general hospitals, catering to both standard and cesarean procedures, complemented by discounted pharmaceuticals. Additionally, he revealed intentions for the six health districts to host health missions twice weekly for the next three months.
He emphasized that the state government would shoulder the expenses for complimentary child deliveries in all 31 general hospitals, whether through natural birth or cesarean section.
‘Our healthcare initiatives are set to benefit over 50,000 women annually with free childbirth services across the state’s general hospitals and secondary health facilities, alongside distributing free hypertensive medications to individuals in need,’ he added.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the state government is determined to expedite pension payments to retired civil servants, ensuring that individuals receive their checks within one month of retirement.
Providing insight into additional projects within the state, Sanwo-Olu mentioned that the Red Line has now reached Ogun State, with ongoing discussions regarding potential extensions.