The Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has announced a number of palliative measures in an effort to reduce the effects of the recent removal of petrol subsidies.
The governor in a statement on Saturday announced a 10 per cent pay rise for all state employees and retirees.
He added that from September 2023 to December 2023, every pensioner and public servant in the state would get a fixed, non-taxable cash award of N12,000 per month
Mr Soludo added that the state government would also make sure that vulcanizers, artisans, okada drivers, minor traders, and transporters would receive tax breaks.
The governor also disclosed intentions to provide 100,000 households with one million oil palm and coconut seedlings each year in the medium to long term.
Additionally, he announced plans to build a new industrial complex to process the products, resulting in the creation of more jobs for young people.
Mr Soludo added that his administration would offer skill-acquisition programmes for young people by combining grant and soft loan programmes with an annual percentage rate cap of 9 per cent.
He also promised to establish and provide funding for the Ward-based Cooperative Initiative for microbusinesses.
Recall that last month, President Bola Tinubu promised the state governments that, among other things, his administration would give the manufacturing sector N75 billion between July 2023 and March 2024 to help mitigate the effects of the removal of fuel subsidies.
The governor’s measures are included below
“A 10% salary increase for all public servants and pensioners in the state.
“A monthly flat non-taxable cash award of N12,000 for every pensioner and public servant in the state for the period September 2023 to December 2023.
“Distribution of rice to over 300,000 households in the state.
“Tax exemptions/reductions for hawkers, wheelbarrow and truck pushers, vulcanizers, artisans, okada drivers, petty traders, and transporters.
“Free antenatal services and free delivery services for pregnant mothers in state primary health centres and general hospitals.
“Repair/renovation of all serviceable Public Servants Staff Buses currently under the office of the Head of Service of Anambra State.
“Application to purchase CNG-fueled buses for intra-state transportation.
“Repair of existing and purchase of new water boats to ease transportation for citizens in the riverine local governments.
