Civil servants across Nigeria are facing increased hardships due to the removal of fuel subsidy, exacerbating their struggles to meet essential needs. While governors retire with substantial benefits, including unpaid salaries and pensions for retired civil servants, workers are left to bear the brunt of the soaring prices of goods and services.
Reports from various states reveal a grim situation where civil servants are finding it challenging to make ends meet. In response, workers have resorted to strategies such as working fewer days or implementing unofficial agreements within departments to mitigate the rising costs of transportation and living expenses.
However, the federal government has not taken significant steps to cushion the impact on its workers. While discussions between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the Nigeria Labour Congress have taken place, no concrete measures have been implemented. Insufficient budgets further hinder the ministry’s ability to address the situation effectively.
In Abia State, the situation is compounded by a stringent system that requires local government workers to work for a specific number of days before receiving their salaries. The expectation was that the current administration would alleviate the burden by reducing the number of workdays. However, no such measures have been taken, leaving workers to contend with high transport fares.
Plateau State civil servants have been on strike for three months, leaving them without salaries during a period of increased transport costs. While workers await the conclusion of the physical verification exercise, they face financial difficulties due to inflated fares.
Kogi State workers are also burdened by a 100% increase in transport fares, with some resorting to long treks or sharing vehicles to save money. Local government workers and teachers have suffered even further, receiving only partial salary payments or none at all for months.
Enugu State workers have yet to receive any support or acknowledgement from the government or organized labor regarding the rising transport costs. Many have resorted to using public transportation or walking to work, while both the government and labor leaders remain silent on the issue.
Benue State workers have been grappling with unpaid salaries for months, which has been compounded by the fuel subsidy removal. Workers have resorted to sharing transportation costs and even abandoning their vehicles altogether.
In Kwara State, the government has reduced the workweek to three days, providing some relief to workers. However, the meager salaries they receive remain insufficient to cover rising expenses. Many have turned to trekking, carpooling, or using abandoned motorcycles and bicycles.
Kaduna State workers face similar challenges, with increased transport fares and no known palliative measures from the government. Workers are left to devise their strategies, such as using public transport, partially driving to their destinations, or trekking to work.
The situation in Rivers State is equally dire, with the government failing to provide any relief for workers. Claims of paying the minimum wage have been contested, and civil servants rely heavily on loans to survive.
Overall, civil servants across Nigeria are grappling with the removal of fuel subsidy and the resulting economic hardships. While some state governments have implemented partial measures, significant action is needed to alleviate the burden on workers and mitigate the rising cost of living.