From Owó Gbé To Salary Alert: How Nigerian Workers Are Finally Smiling Again

Photo: The Punch

Omo, make I gist you something wey go make your heart happy small! Remember those dark days when civil servants dey look their phones every month-end, hoping say salary alert go drop? Those days when governors dey run helter-skelter to Abuja to beg for bailout just to pay workers? Well, according to President Bola Tinubu, those days don scatter finish!

The Struggle Was Real, Abeg

Let me take you back to those trying times when salary wahala nearly finish our people. Between 2014 and 2019, some states were seriously struggling to pay their workers. We're talking about states like:

• Kogi State - Workers were going months without salary, some even protesting on the streets
• Benue State - Civil servants were crying blood as salaries piled up for months
• Cross River State - The situation was so bad that workers were threatening to shut down government offices
• Zamfara State - Teachers and other civil servants were practically begging for their own money
• Imo State - Workers were sleeping in government offices, refusing to work until they got paid

Chai! Those were serious times o. Imagine working your heart out for government, only for them to tell you 'next month' every month. Some workers were borrowing money just to feed their families, while others were selling their properties. The stress was too much!

Federal Government To The Rescue (Then)

During those difficult periods, the federal government had to step in several times with bailout packages. I remember when former President Buhari's administration released over ₦713 billion in different bailout packages and budget support to help states pay workers. Some states collected this money multiple times - and still struggled to clear their salary backlogs!

The Paris Club refund was another lifeline that many states grabbed with both hands. But even with all this federal support, some governors were still finding it hard to put smiles on their workers' faces come month-end.

What Changed The Game?

Now, President Tinubu is saying states no longer need federal intervention to pay salaries. But wetin really change? Several factors dey work together:

Increased Federal Allocation: The removal of fuel subsidy freed up more money for the three tiers of government to share. States are now getting more allocation from the federation account.

Improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): Many states have stepped up their game in generating revenue locally. Lagos State, for example, generates over ₦600 billion annually from IGR alone.

Better Financial Management: Some governors have learned hard lessons from the past and are now managing their state finances more wisely.

The Real Test: Are Workers Really Smiling?

But make we no just take word for am o! The real question na: are civil servants in Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, and other previously struggling states really getting their salaries as at when due? Are teachers in rural areas getting their alerts before month-end?

From recent reports, things have indeed improved. States like Rivers under Nyesom Wike were already paying well, but now even traditionally struggling states are stepping up. However, we still dey hear small small complaints from some quarters.

What This Means For The Common Man

When civil servants get their salaries regularly, the entire economy benefits. Think about it:

• Teachers can focus on educating our children instead of worrying about next meal
• Healthcare workers can concentrate on saving lives
• Local markets become more active as workers have money to spend
• Small businesses around government areas see increased customers
• Families can plan better and invest in their children's future

This salary stability also means workers are less tempted by corruption. When you know your salary dey come steady, you no go dey look for shortcuts to survive.

The Bigger Picture

President Tinubu's announcement suggests that his economic policies are beginning to bear fruit. The removal of fuel subsidy, though painful initially, seems to be providing the fiscal space for states to meet their obligations.

However, we must remain vigilant. Economic recovery is not a one-day affair, and we need sustained effort from both federal and state governments to ensure this positive trend continues.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate this development, let's not forget the lessons learned during those difficult years. State governments must continue to diversify their revenue sources and avoid over-dependence on federal allocation. They should also invest in productive sectors that can generate sustainable employment.

For workers, this should be a time to increase productivity and contribute meaningfully to their state's development. After all, a rising tide lifts all boats.

So there you have it, my people! From the days of 'owó gbé' (no money) to regular salary alerts, Nigerian workers are gradually finding reasons to smile again. Let's hope this trend continues and spreads to every corner of our great nation. What do you think? Are you feeling this positive change in your state?