The Governor of Kogi State, 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 Eid al-Fitr celebration.
The early payment is expected to enable workers across the state to make adequate preparations for the festive period and meet their 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 important to ensure workers receive their pay earlier than usual during festive periods to ease financial pressure on families.
Isah explained that the early salary payment is also intended to help workers cope with the rising cost of transportation and goods following recent increases in fuel prices, while enabling those who wish to travel for the Sallah celebration to do so with ease.
According to him, the governor remains mindful of the need to support workers during periods such as the ongoing Ramadan fast and the Christian Lent 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, Bzigu Lassa Afakirya, took a similar step by approving early salary payments for workers during his administration.
The Special Adviser reiterated that Governor Ododo will continue to prioritise 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, including during the Eid al-Adha celebration, while another early payment was also approved ahead of the Easter celebration in the same year.
