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From Layi Olanrewaju, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday, met with top labour leaders in the state and appealed to them that the recent removal of fuel subsidy was done in good faith to curb further damage to the economy.
He also approved reduction of workdays for the workforce in the state to lessen the impact of the subsidy removal on their earnings. Civil servants would now work three days as against five days.
Civil service authorities are expected to release further guidance on the measure, including how it affects health workers and teachers.
“Removal of subsidy is definitely a painful decision that the government had to take in the larger interest of the country. It is the cheapest and most sustainable option available to curb criminal bleeding of the resources at the expense of the larger public.
“Subsidy regime means Nigeria is running a deficit budget that continues to hurt economic growth and make people poorer. The country was borrowing to feed a tiny few, while important things like infrastructure development, industrial growth, job creation receive lesser resources.
“Now that subsidy has been removed as there is no provision for it in the budget anymore, the government is open to veritable ideas from the labour unions on how to redirect the savings for maximum public benefit, including pay rise.”
State NLC Chairman, Muritala Olayinka, said the call for such a meeting showed good leadership on the part of the governor.
He agreed with AbdulRazaq that dialogue is better than strike and urged the governor to use his office as Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman to intervene in the national issue for amicable resolutions.
