Delta State Government Unveils Palliative Distribution Plan Amidst Subsidy Removal
In response to the recent removal of fuel subsidies by the Federal Government, the Delta State Government has revealed its strategy for distributing palliatives to its citizens. This move is aimed at cushioning the effects of the subsidy removal on petrol.
Dr. Kingsley Emu, the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the State Subsidy Palliative Committee, outlined the distribution procedure during a news conference held in Asaba.
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Emu stated that the state government has devised a distribution model that allocates 40 percent of the palliatives to the 500 Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) Wards across the state, with an additional 10 percent reserved to support urban wards.
He further detailed that 25 percent of the palliatives would be directed to those most severely impacted by the subsidy removal, including Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) and widows. Another 20 percent is earmarked for disadvantaged households, and the remaining 5 percent is set aside for contingency purposes within the Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The SSG emphasized that each local government would receive 696 bags of 50kg rice, and maize would also be distributed to poultry farmers throughout the state. Notably, these food items are being made available through a loan extended by the Federal Government to the states, repayable over 20 months.
Emu highlighted other initiatives by the state government, including the payment of promotion arrears to workers, financial support for over 50,196 workers, and the recruitment of 2,000 primary school teaching and non-teaching staff. Additionally, the government has introduced a three-day rotational work scheme for civil servants on Salary Grade Level 1-14.
Regarding pensions, Emu assured that the state government has guaranteed the payment of N40 billion to local government workers and retired primary school teachers, with disbursements commencing in September.
Furthermore, the government is in the process of acquiring bi-fuel engine tricycles (Keke) for distribution across the three senatorial districts. Discussions are also underway with various organizations to provide CNG and EV-powered inter and intra-city commuter buses through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) option.
Dr. Emu called upon journalists and concerned individuals to actively monitor the distribution process to ensure that the palliatives reach their intended recipients. He expressed confidence that the measures taken by the State Government, including the composition of palliative distribution committees at various levels, would result in a smooth and equitable distribution across the state.
He explained that the Local Government Monitoring Team would comprise non-partisan and trusted leaders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, representatives of NULGE, women, and youth. Similarly, the Ward Committees would consist of non-partisan leaders, representatives of traditional rulers, community or quarters leaders, and a credible NGO representative.
