Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has approved the early payment of March salaries to civil servants in the state ahead of the forthcoming Eid al-Fitr (Sallah) celebration.
Under the directive, workers in the state will receive their salaries on March 13, earlier than the usual payment schedule, to enable them prepare for the festive period and meet their financial obligations.
Reacting to the development, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, said the decision reflects the administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers, particularly in light of the economic pressures facing many Nigerians.
He explained that while salary payment remains a statutory responsibility of government, the governor considers it important to ensure that workers receive their earnings earlier during festive periods to ease financial strain on families.
According to him, the early disbursement is also intended to help civil servants cope with the rising cost of transportation and essential goods following recent increases in fuel prices. It will also support workers who may wish to travel to celebrate the Sallah festival with their families.
Isah noted that the governor remains mindful of the needs of workers during periods of religious observance such as the ongoing Ramadan and the Christian Lent season, when many households face additional responsibilities.
He added that similar gestures have been rare in the history of the state, recalling that a former military administrator of Kogi State, the late Bzigu Lassa Afakirya, once approved early salary payments for workers during his tenure.
The governor’s aide reiterated that Ododo’s administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of civil servants as part of its commitment to responsible and inclusive governance.
Since assuming office, Ododo has approved early salary payments during major religious celebrations. In 2024, civil servants received their salaries ahead of festive periods, including the Eid al-Adha (Eid-el-Kabir) celebration and the Easter holiday.