To address the prolonged non-payment of salary arrears totaling N3 billion to local government and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) workers in Kwara State, the Kwara State House of Assembly has called for an investigation into the matter.
The funds, allocated in February 2024 to settle outstanding salary debts inherited from the previous administration, have yet to reach the intended beneficiaries, raising concerns among stakeholders.
During the plenary session on Tuesday, Hon. Mohammed Baba Salihu, representing Okuta/Yashikira constituency, tabled the motion titled “The Need For Consultant In Charge Of Payment Salaries Of Local Government And SUBEB Workers in Kwara State To Ensure Prompt Payment Of Salaries Arrears To Local Government Workers.” Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Salihu stated the importance of timely payments to motivate workers and foster development at the local government level.
Salihu’s motion, supported by Hon. Abolarin Ganiyu of Ekiti Constituency, emphasized the detrimental impact of the delay on the affected workers and the public perception of the government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations. Following a thorough debate, the Assembly passed a resolution expressing appreciation to Governor Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq for his prompt attention to the matter.
The Assembly directed the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, in collaboration with the Local Government Service Commission, to investigate the causes of the delay.
Additionally, joint committees on Education, Human Capital Development, and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs were tasked with inviting the consultant responsible for salary payments to elucidate the reasons behind the delays.
The Assembly’s resolution also called for urgent action from the consultant to expedite the payment of salary arrears to local government workers without further delay.
