SUBSIDY REMOVAL: ANAMBRA STATE GOVT ROLLS OUT PALLIATIVES

REPORTER: BEN ILECHUKWU

Anambra State Government has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government towards cushioning the effects of the subsidy removal on its citizens.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo stated this during a broadcast at a centre in Agulu where members of the Anambra State Executive and Legislative arms were brainstorming on effective governance and the delivery of the “Anambra Agenda.”

Governor Soludo expressed regret about the long disruptive change that had caused hardship on Nigerians due to the removal of subsidy on petroleum products and the high exchange rate.

According to the Governor, government has rolled out interim measures within the remaining four months of the year 2023 (from September to December) to ameliorate the consequent short term effects of the policy change on livelihood even as he also expresses concerns about the welfare of the poor and vulnerable.

The measures adopted included salary augmentation and cash award of #12, 000 (twelve thousand naira) to every pensioner and public servant in the employ of the State Government and distribution of rice to over 300,000 households in the coming weeks across the 326 wards in the state.

It also included Tax Exemptions/Reductions to the highly vulnerable citizens in the state.

Governor Soludo stated that among the four billion naira loan released to states of the federation as palliative to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, only two billion naira had been released to the Anambra State Government.

Governor Soludo further noted that the four billion naira loan, with a 48% interest rate and three months monatorium, was meant to buy bags of rice for the citizens by the federal government.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU