AbdulRazaq approves bonus for Kwara workers

Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has approved a financial bonus that is equivalent to the monthly Pay As You Earn (PAYE) obligation for every civil servant in the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Finance, Dr Hauwa Nuru, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Ilorin, saying it was an emergency support measure.

She said the bonus was for at least three months.

“This bonus has been approved as a buffer to bridge the gap that the correct PAYE deduction may have wrought on the newly-implemented minimum wage.

“It is meant to serve as a soothing balm as workers adjust to the PAYE that was just correctly implemented in line with the Personal Income Tax Act.

“Payment of the bonus is effective from October and will run till December,” the Commissioner explained.

She then pointed out that it was a significant step by the state governor to support workers.

Nuru also said workers who had not registered with the Kwara State Residents’ Registration Agency (KWSRRA) should do so immediately.

“This is because anyone without it will not get the bonus for November and December,” she said.

The Commissioner disclosed that labour unions in the state have come to an agreement with government on some deductions.

“The unions agreed to a refund of the special levy deducted from workers’ salary and a suspension of deductions of same until further notice,” she stated.