The Edo State Government has expressed solidarity with its citizens over the recent removal of fuel subsidy, which has resulted in a surge in the prices of goods and services. To alleviate the burden faced by the people, Governor Godwin Obaseki announced that civil and public servants would transition to a three-day workweek instead of the usual five days due to the rise in transportation costs.
Governor Obaseki acknowledged the significant increase in fuel prices and its subsequent impact on the cost of living. He assured the citizens that the state government empathizes with their plight and is committed to taking action to mitigate their suffering during these challenging times.
As part of its proactive approach, the Edo State Government has already raised the minimum wage for workers in the state from the approved N30,000 to N40,000, making it the highest minimum wage in the country. The government intends to maintain this increased wage and aims to raise it even further if additional funds are allocated to the state from the federal government as a result of the fuel subsidy removal.
Governor Obaseki acknowledged the hardship caused by the policy, particularly the sharp increase in transportation costs, which has significantly impacted workers’ wages. Consequently, the government has decided to reduce the number of workdays for civil and public servants from five to three days per week. This measure aims to lessen the financial burden of commuting to work. The government is also working on expanding the EdoBEST@Home initiative to enhance virtual classes, reducing transportation costs for teachers, parents, and students. Further details on this initiative will be provided by the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in the coming days.
To address the rising cost of energy, the government is collaborating with electricity companies in the state to improve power supply to homes and businesses. Additionally, efforts are being made to provide fiber optic connections, enabling people to work remotely and reducing transportation expenses.
While the government intensifies its efforts to alleviate the impact of the fuel price hike, Governor Obaseki called on everyone to remain calm and lawfully carry out their daily activities. The government is committed to supporting the citizens of Edo State during this challenging period and will continue to explore measures to ease their financial burdens.
