The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, declared a 25 percent discount on fares for government-owned transportation services.
During a live media chat, the governor addressed residents to outline measures aimed at alleviating the economic strain on Lagosians.
Earlier in the week, the Lagos State House of Assembly decided to summon the state commissioners for agriculture and transportation to update lawmakers on their efforts to improve the quality of life for residents amidst the economic difficulties facing the nation.
In detailing the government’s actions, the governor stated that civil servants from levels one to 14 would transition to a three-day work week as part of the strategy to mitigate economic challenges for residents.
“As a government, we cannot be everything and everywhere but we can provide and create avenues for others to join us. The first we have done or will be doing from today going forward is that we want to start with our public servants. Even the challenge that we see now, can we be creative and have flexible working hours? So immediately from next week, we are working out the plans where civil servants from levels one to 14 will come to the office a maximum of three times a week. Not that any form of government will be shut down, it will all be calendarised and it will be on schedule. Levels 15 to 17 will miss work a day,” he said.
On transport, Sanwo-Olu said, “We are also implementing a 25 per cent reduction on transport services for the state public transport system (BRT, train, ferry), putting back over N500m monthly into the pockets of Lagosians. With the Red Line Rail about to be launched, there will be a lot more options for our residents. We are also in discussions with various unions to reduce their fares, and we will announce any new developments.”
The governor said the state would be exploring three major avenues to ensure Lagosians get affordable foodstuffs to ease the economic burden.
“We will open soup kitchens/bowls where identified caterers (mama put) will be employed across local government areas to feed those who need it, once daily. Beneficiaries will get vouchers to be able to access the kitchens. We will also be having food purchases and redistribution to people who need it, especially as we are currently expecting about 100 trailer loads of rice and grains.
“Also, we will be having Sunday markets in 42 identified markets where people can buy cheaply at discounted rates. Purchase will however be limited to N25,000 to ensure that those who really need it benefit from the initiative.”
In the healthcare domain, Sanwo-Olu revealed plans for free delivery services in all general hospitals, including both normal and cesarean sections, along with discounts on specific medications. Additionally, he announced that the six health districts would conduct free health missions twice weekly for the next three months.
Furthermore, the state government will cover the expenses associated with free child deliveries in all 31 general hospitals, whether through normal birth or cesarean section.
“Our healthcare initiatives are set to benefit over 50,000 women annually with free childbirth services across the state’s general hospitals and secondary health facilities, alongside distributing free hypertensive medications to individuals in need,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the state government would ensure the prompt payment of pensions to retired civil servants in the state, saying “within a month” after retirement, “you should be able to get your cheque.”
Speaking on other projects in the state, Sanwo-Olu further noted that “the Red Line has entered Ogun State, and we are discussing ways to do more extensions.”