By Favour Raphael
The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of workers and pensioners while maintaining fiscal discipline and promoting inclusive development across the state.
The Commissioner for Finance, Dr Hauwa Nuru, stated this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has prioritised prompt payment of salaries and pensions alongside reforms aimed at strengthening public financial management.
Nuru said the government had cleared inherited salary and pension backlogs while maintaining a consistent record of timely payment of workers’ entitlements.
“Since assuming office, His Excellency has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the welfare of workers and pensioners. The administration cleared inherited salary and pension backlogs and has maintained a strong record of timely payment of salaries and pensions,” she said.
She added that salary administration in the state is now guided by transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline.
The commissioner said the government had implemented several welfare measures, including the new minimum wage, consequential salary adjustments, the 30 per cent Peculiar Allowance for eligible public servants and upward reviews of sector-specific allowances.
She explained that the administration had also strengthened payroll systems through digitalisation and verification processes to improve accuracy and prevent irregularities in salary payments.
“Our payroll reforms are designed to strengthen the integrity of the system, eliminate irregularities, protect public resources, and ensure that every genuine employee receives their rightful entitlement promptly,” Nuru said.
She also highlighted the introduction of the State Staff Identification Number (SSID) as part of efforts to improve personnel records and enhance efficiency within the public service.
Beyond workers’ welfare, the commissioner said the government had continued to strengthen the state’s economy through improved internally generated revenue, digital transformation and reforms aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business.
According to her, Kwara has continued to attract development support through initiatives such as SABER, NG-CARES and the HOPE Programme due to confidence in the state’s reform agenda.
Nuru said the funds were being channelled into key sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, social protection and institutional reforms.
She maintained that prudent financial management and workers’ welfare could work together, adding that the administration remained committed to responsible governance, transparency and sustainable development.
The commissioner commended civil servants for their dedication and urged them to continue supporting government reforms through improved productivity and adherence to established procedures.
She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a productive relationship with organised labour and other stakeholders in building a stronger and more prosperous Kwara State.
