The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers and pensioners, prioritizing their working conditions, self-development, and overall well-being.
This assurance was made by the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, during the fourth quarterly Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Ministry of Finance Conference Room in Ilorin.
Dr. Nuru emphasized that the current administration, under the transformative leadership of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has consistently prioritized the prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and the implementation of promotions for deserving staff across all categories.
She highlighted the government’s approval of a three-month financial bonus equivalent to the monthly PAYE obligation for all civil servants, including local government workers. This bonus, payable from October to December 2024, is part of measures to cushion the impact of subsidy removal on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Dr. Nuru further explained how adopting advanced reforms such as the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) has enhanced efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the States financial processes.
The Commissioner also noted significant strides in improving land titling processes, issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, and digitization of land records. These efforts aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and accessibility for Kwarans and investors alike.
She commended the success of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) and the Business Enabling Reform Action Plans (BERAP), which have removed bottlenecks hindering economic activities and created an investor-friendly environment.
“Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Kwara State has been recognized by the World Bank’s SABER programme, receiving significant reimbursement as a reward for accountability, transparency and meeting rigorous standards,” Dr. Nuru stated.
In addition to enhancing the welfare of workers, the Ministry of Finance has renovated office spaces, remodeled its conference room, provided modern furniture and ICT tools, and installed solar systems across the Ministry to ensure uninterrupted power supply, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Dr. Nuru also commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his exceptional leadership and acknowledged the administration’s success in the NG-CARES programme, which has been recognized during the fourth Independent Verification Assessment (IVA). She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining these gains by adhering to international best practices and remaining dedicated to transparency.
“These remarkable achievements would not have been possible without the visionary leadership and steadfast support of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. His dedication to fiscal prudence, transparency, and development-focused governance has laid the foundation for our progress and continues to inspire us to achieve greater heights,” Dr. Nuru concluded.
