Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has approved the payment of March salaries to civil servants in the state on the 13th of the month, ahead of the forthcoming Sallah celebration.
The early payment is expected to enable workers across the state make adequate preparations for the festive period and meet financial obligations in good time.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah, said the decision reflects Governor Ododo’s commitment to the welfare of workers, particularly in view of the current economic realities facing many Nigerians.
He noted that while the payment of salaries is a statutory responsibility of government, the governor considers it necessary to ensure workers receive their pay earlier than usual during festive periods to ease financial pressure on families.
Hon. Isah explained that the early salary payment is also intended to support workers to cope with rising cost of transportation and goods following the recent increase in fuel prices, while enabling those who may wish to travel for the Sallah celebration to do so with ease.
According to him, the governor remains mindful of the importance of supporting workers during periods such as the ongoing Ramadan fast and the Christian Lenten season, when many families are making additional sacrifices.
He added that such gestures have been rare in the history of the state, noting that only a former military administrator of Kogi State, late Col. Bzigu Lassa Afakirya, had taken a similar step in the past by approving early salary payments for workers during his administration.
The Special Adviser reiterated that Governor Ododo will continue to prioritize the welfare of civil servants as part of his administration’s commitment to responsible and inclusive governance in Kogi State.
Governor Ododo had previously approved similar early salary payments during major religious celebrations since assuming office. In 2024, workers in the state received their salaries on the 14th ahead of the festive season, following a similar trend for the sallah break, Eid-el-Kabir celebration, while another early payment was also approved ahead of the Easter celebration in the same year.