The Kwara State Government has approved a three-month tax holiday for workers across the state as part of efforts to cushion the impact of the current economic hardship facing Nigerians.

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa?adatu Modibbo-Kawu, made the announcement during a courtesy visit by the Joint Committee of Colleges of Education to her office in Ilorin, the state capital.

According to a statement by the Press Secretary of the ministry, Omotayo Ayanda, the commissioner reaffirmed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq?s unwavering commitment to workers? welfare, especially in the education sector.

She emphasised that the governor?s recent approval of the tax relief underscores his responsiveness to the economic challenges being experienced nationwide.

?The governor is a listening leader who prioritises the welfare of workers. He understands the current hardships faced by Nigerians, which is why he approved a three-month tax relief for all workers in the state,? she said.

?This landmark decision is aimed at easing the financial burden caused by inflation and the general economic downturn, especially following the implementation of the new minimum wage.

?This initiative reflects the governor?s deep empathy for the working class. Governor AbdulRazaq doesn?t just listen ? he takes swift and decisive action to improve the quality of life for civil servants and their families. The tax holiday is just one of many people-centered policies under his leadership.?

Modibbo-Kawu also assured the visiting delegation that the ministry would address their concerns, particularly regarding the implementation of the tax relief within the tertiary education sector.

She stressed that the governor remains committed to ensuring fairness and inclusivity in policy execution.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Grillo Kikelomo, also commended the governor, noting that the tax holiday ? granted through an executive order ? was a thoughtful move to cushion the effects of the economic downturn on civil servants, including those in the education sector.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Provost of the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, Prof. Aremu Mukaila, lauded the governor for his consistent support for Colleges of Education in the state.

He praised the administration?s responsiveness to the sector?s needs, including accreditation of courses, prompt payment of salaries, and resolution of operational challenges.

?Governor AbdulRazaq has demonstrated true leadership. He has never ignored our challenges. His support has enabled us to demand greater accountability and dedication from our staff,? Aremu stated.

However, Aremu appealed to the Commissioner to address concerns over the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax deductions that have already been remitted to the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS).

He noted that union members were increasingly agitated, questioning why Colleges of Education appeared to be excluded from the executive tax relief granted to other state workers.

?The union is mounting intense pressure on the leadership of the institutions and is even threatening to go on strike,? he said.

?We urge the commissioner to urgently intervene to prevent disruptions to academic activities, which would negatively affect our students.? (The PUNCH)

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