- Elderly targeted through conditional transfer program; free medical care extended under Health Insurance Scheme
- Additional support measures include free mass transit buses, food distribution, improved health worker benefits, and aid to farmers/small businesses
On Wednesday, Ekiti took a significant step by endorsing palliative measures to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal. The initiative, named “Ekiti State Subsidy Relief Programme,” encompasses a range of actions aimed at supporting citizens during this transition.
Among the key decisions, the government sanctioned the necessary adjustment of the minimum wage for civil servants ranging from Grade Level 14 to Grade Level 17. Furthermore, the green light was given for the disbursement of accrued leave bonuses for the year 2017. Equally noteworthy, the government demonstrated its commitment by authorizing the disbursement of promotion arrears for the years 2020 and 2021 to its dedicated civil service employees.
In a move to alleviate the financial strain on the most disadvantaged members of the community, the government also granted approval for the monthly distribution of a conditional cash transfer of N5,000 to a deserving group of 10,000 individuals who fall within the category of the poor and most vulnerable.
The conditional transfer program is primarily oriented towards assisting the elderly. Additionally, an allocation has been made to provide free medical care within the Ekiti Health Insurance Scheme, extending coverage to an additional 10,000 residents, with particular emphasis on the elderly demographic.
To cushion the effect of the high cost of transportation especially on workers and students, the government would provide free mass transit buses.
It would also distribute free foodstuffs to the poor and most vulnerable households.
The government also approved payment of 90 per cent of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure and 100 per cent Hazard Allowance for local government health workers and salary parity for clinical staff of the Hospitals Management Board.
Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr Akintunde Oyebode, made these known at Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday at a news briefing.
He assured that increased revenue accruing to the state from the removal of fuel subsidy would lead to improved service delivery from the government.
“In addition to the already mentioned interventions, the government will distribute inputs to farmers and give financial support to small businesses and to the informal sector,’’ Oyebode said.
Labour leaders at the news briefing took turns to appreciate the government’s efforts at alleviating the hardship of the citizenry.
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