FG may be unable to pay salaries beyond June 2023 without removing fuel subsidy, massive money printing, says Obaseki

…urges workers to champion cause for subsidy removal

…pledges to sustain reforms to better workers’ welfare, improve livelihoods

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, said the Federal Government may not be able to pay workers’ salaries beyond June 2023 without resorting to massively printing money or removing fuel subsidy.

Obaseki disclosed this while delivering his address during the 2023 May Day celebration with the theme, “Workers' rights and socio-economic justice," held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, in Benin City.

Dignitaries at the event include the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq.; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha; Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun, and the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Itsebaga Acha, amongst others.

The governor, who reassured that his government will sustain reforms and projects to improve the welfare of workers and ensure better livelihoods for Edo people, urged the workers in the country to shift from the tradition of reacting when policies that affect them have already been made but take charge and ensure full transparency and accountability of government’s policies and programmes.

Obaseki said, "It would be a miracle for the federal government and state governments to pay salaries beyond June this year without resorting to massively printing money or removing fuel subsidy. Either of these decisions will bring more hardship and pain to Nigerians, particularly workers.

"We must all make sure that the burden and pain of these measures, which must be taken, are not carried by workers alone. Workers must now rise and ensure that they champion any discussion on subsidy removal. You must shift from the tradition of reacting when these policies have been made but insist that you take charge and ensure full transparency and disclosure. If we are all undertaking a reform, then the benefits and pains that will come out of the reforms must be mutually shared by all Nigerians, not just the downtrodden.”

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to the welfare of workers in the state, Obaseki noted, “I am proud to say that Edo workers are currently the best-paid workers in Nigeria. When we announced the increment of the minimum wage to N40,000 at this venue last year, I expected that the Federal Government and other state governments would follow suit immediately but I am surprised that it has taken them one year already.

“My promise to Edo workers here today is that the day the federal government is able to pay its new minimum wage and hand over a cheque to any federal worker, that day, we will match the federal government and do the same for state workers.

“As your governor, I will ensure that workers are fairly treated so that your take-home pay can really take you home. Our government has kept faith with prompt and regular payment of staff salaries and retirees' benefits in the State in the last six years.

“As a tradition, salaries are paid latest on the 26th day of every month and for any holiday celebrations, our workers are paid before the celebration so that they have money to celebrate.”

He added, “We currently do not owe arrears of promotion in Edo State because I have approved the promotion of all staff for 2022 which I believe will boost the morale of staff and the performance of our workers.”

Hailing the workers' contributions to the growth and development of the state, the governor stated, "Our vision is to make Edo State the best place to work and live in Nigeria.

“I appreciate the sacrifices of our workers and their unwavering dedication and zeal as these have led to the growth and development of our dear State in the last six years despite the difficulty suffered following the poor management of the nation by the Federal Government.

“Our workers are the unsung heroes of society and the engine that powers our economy and we will continue to prioritize your welfare. This is why we will continue to embark on a series of reforms to boost your morale and productivity, ensuring the right incentives and enabling the environment to deliver quality service to Edo people. This is in addition to the reforms we have embarked on in education, healthcare, technology, economy, agriculture, and many other sectors.”

He continued: “We are investing in Infrastructure to provide our workers with a modern, more equipped, and dignified work environment to enable them to become more productive and deliver quality service to our people.

“We are installing fiber optic cables across all local governments so that government offices will now have internet connection. The John Odigie Oyegun Service Academy is the best in Africa and is being effectively used daily to train our workers to make them the best in Africa.

“We have removed all processes of interference with our recruitment exercise to ensure that the recruitment process is free, fair, and merit-based.

“We have also kicked off the policy to ensure that any student of Edo extraction who makes a first class in any University in Nigeria is given an opportunity for automatic employment into the state’s civil and public service as we want the best.”

The governor charged, “I appeal to workers to ensure they register in the health insurance scheme and utilize it effectively.”

On his part, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, represented by State Coordinator, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mrs. Florence Owie said, "Only a few employees are aware that workers have rights in their workplaces. The Federal Ministry of Labour will continue to implement labour laws to ensure peace between employee and their employers.”

Chairman of the Edo State’s chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Chief Odion Olaiye hailed the governor for prioritizing the welfare of the workers, commending his developmental strides across all sectors of the state’s economy.

Also, the Acting Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Edo State Chapter, Comrade Charles Momoh thanked the governor for the Edo Health Insurance Scheme, noting that Edo workers are enjoying affordable and quality healthcare services under this administration.

PHOTO CAPTION

DSC_9514

L-R: Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Chief Odion Olaiye; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun, at the 2023 May Day celebration, in Benin City, on Monday, May 1, 2023.

IMG_0141

L-R: Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Chief Odion; Governor Godwin Obaseki; Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun; Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq., and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha, at the 2023 May Day celebration, in Benin City, on Monday, May 1, 2023.

1. Shows that APC has failed in diversifying the economy

2.Having said that, the man is right.

The problem with fuel subsides is simple. Let's use a hypothetical example.

A lot of Nigerians say that we should reduce fuel to N65 a liter. Well, in 2011, December, a liter of fuel was N65, while the landing cost was N99. So, we was paying N34 per liter of fuel.

Now, if we kept fuel at N65 a liter up to September 2022, when the landing cost was N500, we would have been paying about N435 per liter of fuel in subsidy.

Multiply that by our fuel consumption, then let's not forget that fuel consumption in 2011 is far less than fuel consumption now.

That means that all our budget money would go to subsidy plus more of our loans...

There is a reason why subsidy has to go.


(Obaseki is not in APC by the way).

Aisosa25:
FG may be unable to pay salaries beyond June 2023 without removing fuel subsidy, massive money printing, says Obaseki

…urges workers to champion cause for subsidy removal

…pledges to sustain reforms to better workers’ welfare, improve livelihoods

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, said the Federal Government may not be able to pay workers’ salaries beyond June 2023 without resorting to massively printing money or removing fuel subsidy.

Obaseki disclosed this while delivering his address during the 2023 May Day celebration with the theme, “Workers' rights and socio-economic justice," held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, in Benin City.

Dignitaries at the event include the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq.; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha; Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun, and the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Itsebaga Acha, amongst others.

The governor, who reassured that his government will sustain reforms and projects to improve the welfare of workers and ensure better livelihoods for Edo people, urged the workers in the country to shift from the tradition of reacting when policies that affect them have already been made but take charge and ensure full transparency and accountability of government’s policies and programmes.

Obaseki said, "It would be a miracle for the federal government and state governments to pay salaries beyond June this year without resorting to massively printing money or removing fuel subsidy. Either of these decisions will bring more hardship and pain to Nigerians, particularly workers.

"We must all make sure that the burden and pain of these measures, which must be taken, are not carried by workers alone. Workers must now rise and ensure that they champion any discussion on subsidy removal. You must shift from the tradition of reacting when these policies have been made but insist that you take charge and ensure full transparency and disclosure. If we are all undertaking a reform, then the benefits and pains that will come out of the reforms must be mutually shared by all Nigerians, not just the downtrodden.”

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to the welfare of workers in the state, Obaseki noted, “I am proud to say that Edo workers are currently the best-paid workers in Nigeria. When we announced the increment of the minimum wage to N40,000 at this venue last year, I expected that the Federal Government and other state governments would follow suit immediately but I am surprised that it has taken them one year already.

“My promise to Edo workers here today is that the day the federal government is able to pay its new minimum wage and hand over a cheque to any federal worker, that day, we will match the federal government and do the same for state workers.

“As your governor, I will ensure that workers are fairly treated so that your take-home pay can really take you home. Our government has kept faith with prompt and regular payment of staff salaries and retirees' benefits in the State in the last six years.

“As a tradition, salaries are paid latest on the 26th day of every month and for any holiday celebrations, our workers are paid before the celebration so that they have money to celebrate.”

He added, “We currently do not owe arrears of promotion in Edo State because I have approved the promotion of all staff for 2022 which I believe will boost the morale of staff and the performance of our workers.”

Hailing the workers' contributions to the growth and development of the state, the governor stated, "Our vision is to make Edo State the best place to work and live in Nigeria.

“I appreciate the sacrifices of our workers and their unwavering dedication and zeal as these have led to the growth and development of our dear State in the last six years despite the difficulty suffered following the poor management of the nation by the Federal Government.

“Our workers are the unsung heroes of society and the engine that powers our economy and we will continue to prioritize your welfare. This is why we will continue to embark on a series of reforms to boost your morale and productivity, ensuring the right incentives and enabling the environment to deliver quality service to Edo people. This is in addition to the reforms we have embarked on in education, healthcare, technology, economy, agriculture, and many other sectors.”

He continued: “We are investing in Infrastructure to provide our workers with a modern, more equipped, and dignified work environment to enable them to become more productive and deliver quality service to our people.

“We are installing fiber optic cables across all local governments so that government offices will now have internet connection. The John Odigie Oyegun Service Academy is the best in Africa and is being effectively used daily to train our workers to make them the best in Africa.

“We have removed all processes of interference with our recruitment exercise to ensure that the recruitment process is free, fair, and merit-based.

“We have also kicked off the policy to ensure that any student of Edo extraction who makes a first class in any University in Nigeria is given an opportunity for automatic employment into the state’s civil and public service as we want the best.”

The governor charged, “I appeal to workers to ensure they register in the health insurance scheme and utilize it effectively.”

On his part, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, represented by State Coordinator, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mrs. Florence Owie said, "Only a few employees are aware that workers have rights in their workplaces. The Federal Ministry of Labour will continue to implement labour laws to ensure peace between employee and their employers.”

Chairman of the Edo State’s chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Chief Odion Olaiye hailed the governor for prioritizing the welfare of the workers, commending his developmental strides across all sectors of the state’s economy.

Also, the Acting Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Edo State Chapter, Comrade Charles Momoh thanked the governor for the Edo Health Insurance Scheme, noting that Edo workers are enjoying affordable and quality healthcare services under this administration.

PHOTO CAPTION

DSC_9514

L-R: Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Chief Odion Olaiye; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun, at the 2023 May Day celebration, in Benin City, on Monday, May 1, 2023.

IMG_0141

L-R: Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Chief Odion; Governor Godwin Obaseki; Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun; Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq., and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha, at the 2023 May Day celebration, in Benin City, on Monday, May 1, 2023.

I think what the governor said is #true

Ok. Next!

.

APC goverment has failed Nigerian completely

The situation with Nigeria is dire, hence we need a leader with the right skills, mentality and heart

.subsidy removal is a must.I was an advocate of payment of subsidy until refineries begin to work for a very longtime. However, the nonsense figures of PMS that nnpc is claiming subsidy for ,is a enough reason for it to be removed.

APC government should wake up.

This is the new scope they want to use to introduce subsidy into the country...

Subsidy will surely be removed if tinubu entered 😑😑
That thing dangote built took a lot of money from them, it resulted in them borrowing from every nook and cranny of the world..

But look at yourself as a common man, most of the tinubu people are jobless🤣🤣
They spent almost half of their day doing unproductive things, trolling OBIDIENTS and all sorts of things..

Come to think of this, if your emilokan remove subsidy, how una go chop 🤣🤣🤣

People no wan wise Sha..
How a whole country like Nigeria say them no get funds to pay workers😑😑
APC government is indeed the worse thing that ever happened to Nigeria.

Jorussia:
.subsidy removal is a must.I was an advocate of payment of subsidy until refineries begin to work for a very longtime. However, the nonsense figures of PMS that nnpc is claiming subsidy for ,is a enough reason for it to be removed.

You no get business with all this bullshit wey you write...
The big question should be how the common man will fare if they remove this subsidy thing
Almost all the prices of goods and services will skyrocket 😐😐
Maybe when you struggle to eat once a day, you go return back to your senses.

APC is a disaster

So who is spreading fake news about salaries increase

Nigeria don turn to Cruze

Lol make una comot wetin una wan comot and allow us rest....

xcc

Let us let go of this subsidy once and for all...

Wether removed or not, we will still buy petrol for 800 Naira in this country very soon.

nollywood actors in politics
.., but they'll pay themselves, abi?

Time will tell.

What's this supposed to mean

All these huge money they're sharing everywhere.. I hope it's accounted for..

I don't see a reason why a country should have empty treasury box

Trash , money looted by the three arms of govt in this administration alone can pay more than 80m Nigerians living wages for the next 25 years for staying at home.

nairalanda1:
1. Shows that APC has failed in diversifying the economy

2.Having said that, the man is right.

The problem with fuel subsides is simple. Let's use a hypothetical example.

A lot of Nigerians say that we should reduce fuel to N65 a liter. Well, in 2011, December, a liter of fuel was N65, while the landing cost was N99. So, we was paying N34 per liter of fuel.

Now, if we kept fuel at N65 a liter up to September 2022, when the landing cost was N500, we would have been paying about N435 per liter of fuel in subsidy.

Multiply that by our fuel consumption, then let's not forget that fuel consumption in 2011 is far less than fuel consumption now.

That means that all our budget money would go to subsidy plus more of our loans...

There is a reason why subsidy has to go.


(Obaseki is not in APC by the way).

💩


People like u that probably don't pay bills are quick to say shit.

Let's use an average Nigerian as an example,

Do u expect a person to buy fuel for almost #1000 for his car, his generator at home and his generator for his business??

What did d govt do with the previous ones dey removed??

Y can't dey fix power, get train ready for conveying of goods, especially perishable ones.

This subsidy removal is going to cause hyperinflation, prices of food with triple, people can barely feed now, talk more of them.

Wen will Edo and other state govs, publish the amount he is claiming from govt purse for security votes on monthly basis, how much that really go to security and how they do the remaining money.

I taught this USELESS party claimed, that fuel subsidy was a scam?
Still some jobless people will be supporting them.

Set up .

Joke of the day.