Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has approved the payment of March salaries to civil servants ahead of the forthcoming Eid el-Fitr celebration.
The early payment is expected on 13 March is to enable workers across the state to adequately prepare for the festive period and meet their financial obligations in good time.
Reacting to the development, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, said the decision reflects Governor Ododo’s commitment to the welfare of workers, particularly in view of the current economic challenges facing many Nigerians.
Isah explained that while salary payment is a statutory obligation of the government, the governor deemed it necessary to ensure workers receive their wages earlier than usual during festive periods to ease financial pressure on families.
He noted that the early payment would also help workers cope with the rising cost of transportation and goods following recent increases in fuel prices, while allowing those who intend to travel for the Sallah celebration to do so without difficulty.
According to him, the governor remains mindful of the importance of supporting workers during periods such as the ongoing Ramadan fast and the Lent season, when many families are making additional sacrifices.
Isah added that such gestures have been rare in the state’s history, recalling that only a former military administrator of Kogi State, Bzigu Lassa Afakirya, had previously approved early salary payments for workers during his administration.
He reaffirmed that Governor Ododo would continue to prioritize the welfare of civil servants as part of his administration’s commitment to responsible and inclusive governance in the state.
Governor Ododo has approved similar early salary payments during major religious celebrations since assuming office.
In 2024, workers received their salaries on the 14th ahead of the festive season, including early payments before the Eid al-Adha celebration and another approved ahead of Easter.
