Paris Club Refund; Ogun Govt. Receives N17.3bn, To Clear Deductions, Gratuity, Others

Ogun State Government says it has received the sum of N17.3 billion which is the last tranche of Paris Club Refund and would be used to offset the backlog of gratuity, Co-operative Deductions, Severance, furniture allowance of its workforce and other social services.
The State Commissioner for Finance, Adewale Oshinowo disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Thursday September 20, 2018 in Abeokuta, alongside Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Taiwo Adeoluwa and Commissioner for Information, Dayo Adeneye and some labour leaders.
Oshinowo said that Gov. Ibikunle Amosun gave the directives in line with the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
According to him, the latest payment would boost the morale of public service workforce and enhance its productivity.
Out of the N17billion, Oshinowo said N10billion which represented 60 per cent would be expended on payment of the backlog of cooperative deductions, gratuity, severance and furniture allowance of its workforce.
He added that the balance of N7.3billion “will go into social services for the benefit of 7.5million Ogun indigenes.”
“The administration, as you all know, is worker-friendly. This informed its decision to increase the salaries of workers in 2012 which doubled our monthly wage bill.
“It is a testament to the value this government places on its workforce that it pays the highest salaries in the entire federation,” the commissioner said.
Responding, the Chairman of Joint Negotiating Council, Biodun Olakanmi commended the governor for fulfilling his promise to offset the deductions.
He, however, called on the government to approve all outstanding promotions in the state civil service.