Governor Abiodun discloses remittance of N13.4billion inherited backlog of workers deductions

The Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun on Wednesday disclosed that his administration has remitted N13.4billion backlog of inherited deductions and have consistently paid the agreed outstanding deductions.

Penpushing reports that Abiodun made this known in his speech at the 2024 Workers’ Day Celebration, held at Moshood Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, the state capital, adding that the said payment was at March 2024

‘We are diligently remitting the backlog of inherited deductions and have consistently paid the agreed outstanding deductions. These deductions that has been paid, up to March 2024 have totalled about N13.4Bn since I assumed office’, he said.

Penpushing further reports that Abiodun admitted relevance of the civil servants towards success being recorded by his government, and therefore assured that he would continue to ensure that their welfare is paramount

‘I applaud the leadership of our labor centers for fostering a successful partnership with the state government, facilitating a harmonious working environment that has been instrumental in driving our collaborative efforts towards the building of our future together agenda’, he added.

‘To our dedicated workforce, the engine behind our administration’s agenda, your unwavering dedication and professionalism have been vital in achieving our ISEYA developmental goals. Your contributions are not just appreciated; they are celebrated today. Thank you for your immense sacrifice and commitment’’, Abiodun emphasised.

Penpushing also reports that he explained that the celebration was not just a tribute but a reflection on the critical role workers play in the socio-economic tapestry of the nation, stressing that it is also an opportunity to address the concerns of the workforce, ensuring their welfare and working conditions are prioritized.

‘Our administration is fully aware of the economic challenges impacting our workers and is committed to proactive measures. In collaboration with the Federal Government, we are taking steps to cushion these effects through various welfare packages and initiatives.

‘On this note, I sincerely appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his timely intervention to support workers’, Abiodun added.

‘We recognize that many of you have had to adjust to new work arrangements and adapt to ever-changing circumstances. Your ability to persevere in the face of adversity is a testament to your strength and determination. This resilience and dedication to your duties in the face of economic difficulties inspires our administration to pursue policies that enhance your working conditions and personal welfare’, he stated.

‘As a responsible and responsive government, I again reiterate our unwavering dedication to you. This commitment began when i assumed office with my guarantee that salaries would be paid on time and has remained to this day, regardless of whether our allocations from the centre were paid early enough or delayed’.

Penpushing reports that the Governor stated that his administration has equally initiated measures to support civil servants and enhance their welfare,assuring that the state government continue to pay pension and gratuity to both state and local governments, totaling approximately N118.7 billion and N9.6 billion, respectively, for a total of N128.3 billion.

‘Payment on leave bonuses for all beneficiaries at the State, Local and SUBEB amounting to about N2.9Bn. It is important to state that bonus entitlement for 2023 and from January to March 2024 have all being paid. Payment on palliatives for State Government staff, parastatals, corporations, institutions and pensioners totalling about N8billion’.

‘The car and motorcycle refurbishing loans have been increased by 100 percent, providing enhanced financial support for all civil servants. Up to March 2024, about ten thousand, nine hundred and eighty-two (10,982) civil servants have benefitted from the loan scheme with about N1.3billion disbursed’, he added.

‘We have consistently provided a N10,000 Transport Allowance to all civil servants for the past nine months. (Total 8b) We continue to pay a Peculiar Allowance, which is 40 percent of the basic salary, to mitigate the impact of the unintended consequences of inflation’.

‘I directed last year that TESCOM and SUBEB engage additional 2000 OgunTEACh interns increasing the total number of interns engaged to 4,000 out of 5000 target …I directed that 1000 of the interns that have served more than two years and have been evaluated and found worthy be absorbed into mainstream civil service’.

‘I have now decided to turn this this into a policy going forward.  Ogun TeacH interns will now after 2 years minimum meritorious service and passing evaluation will be migrated into mainstream civil service. I have also directed the Head of Service to start the process of appointing Principal General to fill the vacant offices’.

‘Demonstrating our commitment to energy transition, we have introduced Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueled buses, significantly reducing transport fares in Ogun State. We are proud to be the pioneers of this initiative in Nigeria’.

‘We have expanded our health insurance coverage with the “Ileradapo” scheme, benefiting all state workers and the public and I can proudly say that over seventy Thousand (70,000) beneficiaries has participated in the scheme. Furthermore over 1,500 free surgeries have been performed till date’.

‘Under the Ibidero Scheme, we offer comprehensive support for pregnant women, including free pre-natal and post-natal care, and an additional N5,000 per birth in our state hospitals and primary health care centers’.

‘Hazard Allowance is being paid to all health and medical personnel across the state. To combat rising food prices and ensure food security, we have introduced subsidized rice sales to all state workers. We have implemented a policy ensuring that 20% of our workforce is off-duty daily to lessen the burden of recent fuel price increases on our public servants’.

‘We have released promotion letters for the years 2021 and 2022. We have updated and reviewed the Public Service Rules and Financial Instructions, the first overhaul in over two decades. Our administration is also focused on capacity building and professional development for our workforce, which is crucial for maintaining the economic competitiveness of our state’.

‘In closing, I reiterate our administration’s commitment to creating a responsive and responsible governance framework that seeks to improve the lives of our workers and all the people of Ogun State. As we look to the future, I am confident that together, we will overcome the challenges ahead and continue building a prosperous state that benefits all’.

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