Kebbi sets up committee to implement N70,000 transport allowance
The Kebbi State Government has pledged to implement the N70,000 transport allowance introduced by the Federal Government to ease the financial burden on workers arising from increased transportation costs following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Governor Nasir Idris made the commitment on Tuesday during an interview, assuring public servants that his administration was prepared to provide the relief.
Addressing workers' demands, Idris disclosed that a committee had been established under the supervision of the state Head of Service to develop modalities for implementing the allowance.
The governor, who previously served as a labour leader, maintained that his government remained committed to improving workers' welfare, especially as economic difficulties continue to erode the purchasing power of their salaries.
“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," he said.
The assurance followed a demand by the Kebbi State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, for the implementation of the N70,000 transport allowance approved by the Federal Government as part of measures to cushion the impact of rising living and transportation costs on public sector employees.
However, the allowance has generated differing positions among organised labour leaders, with the Trade Union Congress, TUC, and the NLC, led by Festus Osifo and Joe Ajaero, respectively, publicly expressing opposing views on the Federal Government's N70,000 transport relief package.
Ajaero had criticised the Osifo-led TUC for not participating in the N70,000 transport allowance negotiations, but Osifo fired back, saying the labour union could not negotiate on behalf of workers.
Their public spat has attracted criticism from Nigerians, with some suggesting that organised labour in Nigeria is not united.
Arise Television anchor Oseni Rufai said both Ajaero and Osifo should be ashamed of themselves.
Kebbi sets up committee to implement N70,000 transport allowance