Edo State government has paid civil and public servants their March salaries.
A statement by the governor’s media aide, Crusoe Osagie, said the government paid so that workers can manage disruptions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.
He said: “Governor Godwin Obaseki directed payment of salaries to cushion effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. We know the disruptions in economic activities would affect the people’s buying power, hence the need to ensure prompt payment.
“There is no denying that this move would provide the needed economic support for workers to stabilise in the light of measures taken to halt the spread of COVID-19.”
Osagie added that the government would soon reveal its economic stimulus package to ensure the state is above board and meets its statutory responsibilities in the face of COVID-19 challenges and low crude oil price regime.
The government has insisted that petrol marketers must sell at the approved pump price of N125 per litre.
Commissioner for Minerals, Oil and Gas Joseph Ikpea, who monitored operations of petrol stations in Benin yesterday, said the exercise was to ensure that dealers complied with the Federal Government’s directive.
According to him, the government was not only concerned about the pump price, but also the accuracy of metering.
He said: “Complying with the new pump price is not the only issue, because some people can reduce the quantity of litres dispensed and adjust the pump price. The ministry is also mandated to ensure compliance among major and independent marketers. The level of compliance is however laudable.”
The Edo State Traffic Control and Management Agency (EDSTMA) has put new measures in place to protect drivers and passengers.
EDSTMA spokesman Owolabi Roland said: “Transportation companies and operators in Edo State must provide sanitisation materials like running water, soap and sanitisers, for potential passengers. Commercial drivers must not convey more than a passenger with the driver on the front row, and two well-spaced passengers in the subsequent sitting rows behind.
“Tricycles should have a driver in the front sitting row and maximum of two well-spaced passengers at the back only. Motorcycle riders are prohibited from carrying passengers. Private vehicle drivers are to comply with the directive of one passenger at the front row and maximum of two passengers at the back. Drivers and conductors must have nose masks and sanitise every passenger before boarding.”
Roland added that any suspected case should be reported to EDSTMA on its helpline – 08078679180.
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