Palliatives: Abiodun Extends N10,000 Transport Allowance for Civil Servants

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has approved the extension of the payment of a N10,000 transport allowance to state civil servants for another six months. This allowance was introduced to mitigate the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government and was supposed to end in September.

During a meeting with Permanent Secretaries in the state, Governor Abiodun stated that the extension would help the state workforce cope with the repercussions of the subsidy removal. He described the allowance as a temporary immediate-term intervention and mentioned that the government is working on medium and long-term plans to support all categories of people in the state.

In addition to the transport allowance, the state government has also approved hazard allowance for health and medical personnel, immediate promotion letters for 2021 and 2022, payment of March and April 2023 leave bonuses for public servants, and prompt payment of gratuities to pensioners.

Governor Abiodun highlighted that Ogun State was the first to introduce an E-Mobility and Gas Mobility Programme, using Compressed Natural Gas-enabled buses and electric-powered tricycles and motorcycles. He also mentioned that the palliatives provided by the government have received widespread praise, except for some unfounded criticisms.

The governor emphasized that palliatives are meant for those in need, and it is impossible to distribute them to all five million inhabitants of the state. He also revealed plans to leave behind legacy projects at the end of his tenure, including the establishment of a special committee for the rehabilitation of public schools, which would be funded through a trust fund. Furthermore, efforts are underway to improve mobility in the state by identifying and rehabilitating critical roads.