Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has extended the N10,000 transportation subsidy for state civil servants by another six months. This measure was initially implemented to mitigate the impact of the Federal Government’s fuel subsidy removal. The allowance was supposed to end in September, following its introduction in July during the deregulation policy.
Governor Abiodun announced the extension during a meeting with the state’s Permanent Secretaries, stating that it would help the workforce continue to manage the effects of the subsidy removal. He characterized the allowance as a temporary immediate-term measure while the government develops suitable medium and long-term plans for all residents of the state.
In addition to the N10,000 allowance, which also applies to pensioners, the state government has approved a hazard allowance for health and medical personnel. Other measures include the immediate release of 2021 and 2022 promotion letters, payment of March and April 2023 leave bonuses for public servants, and immediate cash-backing for pensioners’ quarterly gratuity payments.
Governor Abiodun highlighted that Ogun was the first state to launch an E-Mobility and Gas Mobility Programme, featuring Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and electric-powered tricycles and motorcycles (Okada). He noted that the state’s relief efforts have been widely praised, except for some criticism from detractors.
The governor clarified that relief efforts are intended for those in need and it would be impractical to provide aid to all five million residents of the state.