As the impact of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy removal bites harder, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, south-east Nigeria, has taken a compassionate step in alleviating the economic hardships faced by civil servants in the state. Addressing the state executive council on a recent Saturday, the governor announced an increase in the minimum wage for workers to N40,000. Recognizing the difficulties brought about by the current economic situation, Governor Uzodinma expressed his commitment to supporting the workforce and helping them navigate these challenging times.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachukwu, Governor Uzodinma outlined his administration’s plan to provide additional assistance to various sectors of the state. Understanding the significance of agriculture as a means of livelihood, the governor emphasized that soft loans, grants, seedlings, and farm tools would be made available to qualified farmers. This initiative aims to empower farmers and enhance agricultural productivity, which in turn can contribute to food security and economic stability.
New Minimum Wage to Take Effect Immediately
Furthermore, Governor Uzodinma declared an immediate upward adjustment in the salaries and wages of workers throughout the state. By raising the minimum wage to N40,000, the governor intends to ensure that workers’ income is not only sufficient to cover their basic needs but also provides them with a reasonable standard of living.
To facilitate the ease of transportation for civil servants, the governor also announced plans to expand the fleet of buses that currently provide free transport services.
“There shall be an immediate upward review of the salaries and wages of workers in the state. The minimum wage is hereby raised to forty thousand naira (N40,000) with discretionary consequential adjustments.
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“At least, your salaries would be able not only to take you home, but to also provide your basic necessities to enable you to make ends meet.
“Apart from the free transport which the workers are already enjoying, I shall increase the fleet of buses carrying workers to and from work with ten more new buses. This is to ensure every nook and cranny of the state capital is captured in the routes that the buses ply, to bring the service closest to the doorsteps of every worker.”
Nigeria’s Fuel Subsidy Removal Births New Tax Regulation In Imo
Governor Uzodinma also highlighted the government’s intention to recalibrate the tax system in Imo State. He revealed that individuals earning below N100,000 annually may no longer be subjected to state taxes. This adjustment aims to ease the financial burden on low-income earners, providing them with some relief in these challenging economic times.
“I have discovered, with pain, how some traders are taking advantage of the economic situation to increase the prices of food items in the market. Against this backdrop, the government will soon establish Imo State Marketing and Commodity Board (ISMCB), which will ensure food items are sold at normal prices. We shall achieve this by setting up low-cost markets in the state where prices of food items and commodities will be affordable for the masses. The markets will be situated in all the 27 LGAs of the state.” the statement in part read
Expressing concern over the rising prices of food items in the market, Governor Uzodinma expressed his determination to address this issue. According to the statement, plans are underway to establish the Imo State Marketing and Commodity Board (ISMCB), which it said would will ensure that food items are sold at affordable prices. According to the statement, the government intends to achieve this by setting up low-cost markets across all 27 local government areas in the state, offering affordable prices for essential food items, and ensuring that the masses have access to nutritious food without excessive financial strain.
Jerrymusa.com reports that, the nationwide removal of fuel subsidies has created a spate of hardship across Nigeria.