Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved a special financial bonus matching the monthly Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax amount for all civil servants in the state, including those employed at the local government level.

According to a statement from the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Hauwa Nuru, this financial relief initiative is set to be in effect for at least three months, providing temporary economic support to public sector employees across Kwara.

“This bonus has been approved as a buffer to bridge the gap that the correct PAYE deduction may have wrought on the newly implemented mininum 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,” she said.

“The payment of the bonus is effective from October and will run till December 2024. This is a significant step by His Excellency to support workers.”

The statement added that workers who have not registered with the Kwara State Residents' Registration Agency (KWSRRA) should do so immediately because anyone without it will not get the bonus for November and December.

The statement said labour unions have also agreed to a refund of the special levy deducted from workers' salary and suspension of deductions of same until further notice.

“Governor AbdulRazaq's directive to deliver this relief speaks volumes about his humanity and his commitment to the welfare of Kwara workforce,” Dr. Nuru stated.