Kebbi set to implement ₦70,000 transportation allowance for workers

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru ABUJA — The Kebbi State Government has said it is ready to implement a ₦70,000 transport allowance for workers in the state to cushion the high transport fares occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy. The State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, disclosed this on Tuesday during an interview with journalists in Abuja. Recall that the Kebbi State Government approved a ₦75,000 minimum wage for state workers and an additional ₦17,650 for teachers.

Asked whether the state would pay workers the ₦70,000 recently approved for federal workers, to be implemented from November, Governor Idris said he had already set up a committee for the implementation of the transport allowance. He expressed concern over the declining purchasing power of the current minimum wage due to economic hardship, adding that a committee under the Head of Service was currently working on a further adjustment.

“I just came back from a journey, and, by God’s grace, I know what the Federal Government has decided to do for workers. You should also know that, being a labour leader, something must definitely be done for Kebbi State workers. “I have already set up a committee under the Head of Service, and they are working. I have said, time without number, that if the Federal Government increases workers’ salaries, Kebbi State will be among the first states to implement it.

“The President has done well by approving the ₦70,000 transport intervention. The President believes that the purchasing power of the existing ₦70,000 national minimum wage has been affected by the economic situation. That is why he graciously approved the ₦70,000 transport allowance before the new minimum wage will be negotiated.” The Governor emphasised his commitment to maintaining industrial harmony by prioritising the needs of workers and artisans.

To ensure conducive working conditions, the Comrade Governor said his administration had embarked on the development of workers’ housing projects, including a project for 155 houses and another for 250 units, some of which are expected to be commissioned by December. He also absorbed over 1,700 casual workers he inherited into full-time employment to ensure job security, while an additional 2,000 teachers and various health workers, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, have been recruited under his leadership.

Governor Idris highlighted his efforts to foster better synergy and cooperation between workers and the government. On revenue generation and fiscal management, the former labour leader said significant improvements had been made in internally generated revenue by closing leakages. He asserted that revenue collection had increased significantly compared with previous administrations.

The Governor said his administration does not owe workers’ salaries, pensions, gratuities, or other benefits, attributing the successful financial management to the prudent use of resources despite increased responsibilities. He noted that while allocations had tripled, the associated administrative burdens and challenges had also increased significantly.

On infrastructure, Governor Idris said major road projects were being facilitated through cooperation with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stressing that completed road works had significantly reduced travel times. He defended President Tinubu’s current policies against claims that they were causing hardship, noting that they were necessary for long-term stability.

He encouraged citizens to endure the current economic challenges so that future generations may benefit from a better economy.