In the past few months, close to thirty of Nigeria's thirty-six states have become struggling, financially unhealthy, and economically unviable states.
From conservative estimates, they have not been able to pay their staff salaries for at least three months.
Even, On March 25, 2016 President Muhammadu Buhari said "27 states in Nigeria are having difficulties paying their workers' salaries due to the country's economic woes."
He made the remark while speaking at the second National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja.
This is just to establish the fact that economic recession is here with us already.
The last time I checked, the following States are owing Six Months and
above:
Benue State
Kogi State:
Plateau State
Bauchi State
Imo State
Abia State
Osun State
Enugu( Parastals are owed 12month arrears)
Imo and Abia States even owed more than Ondo State despite ranking higher than Ondo State in the ranking of oil producing States
In Ondo state for example, the monthly allocation from the federation account hovers between 2 billion and 2.1 while the wage bill is put at over 3.9 billion.
The IGR is nothing to write home about, it is around 700 million naira monthly- that was when salaries were paid regularly (PAYE).
This alone can't pay workers' salaries let alone maintaining the social services of government such as; school free shuttle buses, street lights, mother and child hospitals among others.
I have heard people talked about the 13% oil derivation too. I think there are misconceptions about the fund. The fund is basically for the oil producing communities of the state- Ilaje and Ese-odo local government areas of the state.
The money is being channelised through OSOPADEC to the mandate areas. Doing anything otherwise is illegal.
Ondo state has the highest number of workforce in the south west behind Lagos state.
The caring heart Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has not however closed his eyes against the plight of the workers.
Just yesterday, June 1, 2016 he sought audience with president Muhammudu Buhari apparently to urge him to refund the 9.5 billion naira state money expended on the rehabilitation of federal roads in the state and the refund of 100 million dollar Paris fund mistakingly paid to the FG.
The peaceful loving state workers should still believing in the workers friendly Dr Olusegun Mimiko.
He had been paying 13th month salary before the economy scattered. And the civil servants had been singing and dancing for him.
I know for a fact that no politician in the opposing camp can use our very understanding workers.
The way out of this financial crisis is for us all to rally round and call for restructuring of Nigeria.
God bless Ondo state!
Isijola kikelomo isSpecial Assistant to Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko On New Media.
Also A Social Media Consultant And Advocate Of Good Governance.
