In a recent development, the National Economic Council has disclosed that it has received recommendations from the National Salaries, Income, and Wages Commission regarding the payment of N702 billion as cost of living allowance to civil servants. This move is believed to be part of the intervention plans aimed at mitigating the effects of the discontinuance of petroleum subsidies, which was announced on May 29, 2023.
Following the inaugural National Economic Council meeting at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Thursday, the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, revealed this information to State House correspondents.
According to Mohammed, there was an intervention that involved a suggested amount of money for civil servants as a petroleum allowance. The recommended sum ranged from N23.5 billion to N45 billion per month.
Following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the governors to establish palliative structures to alleviate the difficulties resulting from the discontinuation of petrol subsidies, Thursday’s announcement was made. This announcement was made just two weeks after the directive was given.
In an exclusive interview, he revealed that the National Economic Council (NEC) had been presented with recommendations on how to utilise any revenue increases to alleviate the potential negative effects on the workforce.
Following recent developments, it has been recommended that a consequential adjustment be made to the allowances given to workers. The estimated amount of this adjustment is N702.92bn, and it is proposed that it be given as a petroleum allowance to all workers. Additionally, there is a suggestion to provide a monthly offer of either N23bn or N25bn to help alleviate the impact on workers.
Upon returning, the governor made a statement regarding the council’s review of salaries and wages, indicating that there were additional suggestions presented for consideration.
According to Mohammed, the government has taken a comprehensive approach to address the issues, challenges, and problems related to the palliative. To achieve this, a small committee of the council was established to review and develop a term of reference. The aim of this committee is to identify specific areas where the palliative can be sourced and determine how it will be distributed to alleviate the suffering of workers and other vulnerable groups.
The committee was comprised of a selected group of individuals, each representing a specific geopolitical zone within Nigeria. The Governor of Kebbi State was appointed as the chairman, with other members including the Governors of Anambra, Benue, Kaduna, Cross River, Oyo, and Bauchi. It remains to be seen what decisions this committee will make and how they will impact the country as a whole.
