ASABA/Nigeria: In response to the recent removal of petrol subsidies by the Federal Government, the Delta State Government has unveiled its strategy for distributing palliatives aimed at mitigating the economic impact on its citizens. Dr. Kingsley Emu, the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the State Subsidy Palliative Committee, made this announcement during a press conference held in Asaba on Monday.
Dr. Emu outlined the distribution plan, stating that 40 percent of the palliatives would be allocated to the 500 Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) Wards across the state, with an additional 10 percent reserved for bolstering urban wards. He further revealed that 25 percent of the aid would be directed towards heavily impacted individuals, including Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) and widows. Additionally, 20 percent of the palliatives would be earmarked for poor and vulnerable households, while 5 percent would be allocated for contingencies within the Local Government Areas (LGAs).
According to Dr. Emu, the aid includes 50kg bags of rice, and maize will also be distributed to poultry farmers throughout the state. Notably, the food items have been facilitated by the Federal Government, which extended a loan to the states, repayable over 20 months.
Dr. Emu underscored the state’s commitment to its citizens, saying, “As a state, we have already initiated palliative measures by disbursing N5.522 billion in promotion arrears to workers, beginning in August. We have also started distributing N10,000 to over 50,196 workers since August, in addition to hiring 2,000 primary school teaching and non-teaching staff across the state. Governor Oborevwori has also approved a three-working-day rotational scheme for civil servants on Salary Grade Level 1-14, while staff on SGL 15 and above are allowed flexibility in their respective MDAs to ensure essential services continue uninterrupted.”
Furthermore, Dr. Emu disclosed that the state government had guaranteed N40 billion for pension payments to local government workers and retired primary school teachers, with payments commencing in September. The government is also exploring the acquisition of bi-fuel engine tricycles (Keke) to be distributed across the state’s three senatorial districts. Additionally, discussions are underway with various organizations to introduce Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicle (EV) powered inter and intra-city commuter buses through Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.
Dr. Emu called upon journalists and concerned citizens to closely monitor the distribution process to ensure it reaches the intended recipients. He assured that the State Government had taken measures to establish a seamless distribution system, including the appointment of non-partisan and trusted leaders to oversee Local Government Monitoring Teams and Ward Committees. These committees would include representation from traditional rulers, religious leaders, NULGE representatives, women, youth, and credible NGOs to ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution process.
