To alleviate the challenges caused by the federal government’s removal of fuel subsidies, the Edo state government has decided to reduce the number of working days for civil servants to three days per week.
As a result of President Bola Tinubu’s announcement regarding the removal of fuel subsidies, fuel prices have skyrocketed. In response, Governor Godwin Obaseki personally signed a statement expressing sympathy for the people of the state, acknowledging the increased prices of goods, services, and the overall cost of living.
“The Edo State Government empathizes with the hardships experienced by our citizens and wants to assure everyone that we stand in solidarity with them during these extremely challenging times.
“We wish to reassure our people that we will utilize all available means as a subnational government to alleviate their difficulties and alleviate the suffering caused by the current circumstances.
“As a proactive government, we have already taken the initiative to raise the minimum wage for workers in Edo State from the approved N30,000 to N40,000, which is presently the highest in the country.
“We assure you that we will continue to honor this increased wage, and we remain hopeful of further increments if our state receives additional allocations from the Federal Government due to the anticipated savings resulting from the fuel subsidy removal.”Acknowledging the significant hardships resulting from the policy, which has substantially elevated transportation costs and impacted the earnings of workers in the state, the Edo State Government has decided to implement a reduction in the number of workdays for civil and public servants. The adjustment entails a transition from the standard five-day workweek to a three-day workweek, minimizing the commuting burden on employees.Furthermore, the Edo State Government aims to alleviate the commuting challenges faced by teachers, parents, and students. To achieve this, efforts are underway to enhance the EdoBEST@Home program, expanding the availability of virtual classes. By doing so, the government intends to reduce the financial burden of transportation on parents, teachers, and students. The Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) will release further information regarding this initiative in the upcoming days.In order to mitigate the increasing cost of energy for the people, the Edo State Government is committed to collaborating with electricity companies within the state to enhance the supply of power to households and businesses.
In addition, the government is making efforts to provide fiber optic connections, enabling individuals to work remotely and subsequently reducing transportation expenses.
While the government continues to make earnest endeavors to alleviate the impact of the fuel price hike on the populace during this challenging period, it urges everyone to remain composed and lawfully engage in their daily activities.
