Key Takeaways From Sanwo-Olu’s Media Chat

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has stated that the state government is working to provide effective measures to help ameliorate the economic hardship on residents of the state.

Sanwo-Olu stated that this administration would provide a flexible working hours schedule for civil servants, a rebate on state transport services and the distribution of food items, amongst others.

The governor spoke during a live media chat on Thursday, titled, ‘Sanwo Speaks,’ to inform residents of steps being taken by his administration to reduce the economic burden on the residents.

The following are key takeaways from the governor’s media chat:

1. Flexible working hours: From next week, civil servants in the state from levels 1-14 will work from the office a maximum of three times a week, while workers on levels 15-17 can work four times weekly.

The governor noted that the work mode flexibility would not bring about the shutdown of government activities as the mode would be on schedule, adding that the state government has resources to cater to remote work mode.

He said this measure would help reduce pressure on the roads and the economic tension.

2. The state government will work out additional transport support for public school teachers to ensure their prompt attendance in classes.

3. Early payments of pensions: Sanwo-Olu noted that the state government would ensure the prompt payment of pensions to retired civil servants in the state, “within a month” after retirement, “you should be able to get your cheque.”

4. Reduction in transport fares: The governor stated that the state government would commence the 25% rebate on transportation in the state starting this weekend.

He said the reduction applies to all state public transport systems – BRT, train, ferry; adding that his administration was also in discussions with various transport unions to reduce their fares.

5. Food palliatives

• Distribution of food items across about 300,000 households which will include 10kg rice, 5kg garri, 5kg beans, tomatoes, amongst others, all in combo packs. He stated that some persons have been mandated to ensure the supervision and distribution of food palliatives to those who need them most.
• The state government would open Sunday markets in about 42 markets across the state which would also comprise staple food items. However, the uniqueness of these ‘Sunday markets’ is that customers will be privileged to purchase food at reduced costs, for the next five Sundays. The governor explained that all food purchases (not for single food items but combination) would be capped at N25,000 while customers would enjoy a 25% instant rebate.
• For the next 30-60 days, the state government will feed between 1,000-1,500 persons daily across all LGs in the state. He said caterers across the state would facilitate this.

6. The governor noted that the state government would cater for the costs of free child deliveries across all 31 general hospitals, either through normal birth or cesarean section.

He added that the government is working towards providing a rebate on some drugs, including those hypertensive and diabetic drugs.

For the next three months, all six health districts across the state will commence free health checks for residents, prescribe drugs, and ensure recommended diagnosis. He said this would run for two days weekly.

In attendance are the deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat, and selected members of the state Executive Council.