EASTER: Workers demand transport subsidy as activities pick up in Enugu

Resuming worked after the Easter holidays, Civil servants in Enugu state have demanded for amelioration in transportation costs.

At the State Secretariat, some commissioners and even the Head of Service Enugu State, Dr Godwin Anigbo, had resumed duties and started official engagements as early as 8a.m.

A civil servant, who spoke to Daily Insider on condition of anonymity, said that the Easter break was good as she reconnected fully with close family members and friends.

She said, "For now, we are back to work and we thank God for health and sound mind. I wish to request the state government and head of service to look into providing civil servants with free transportation to ameliorate the current cost of transport to and fro the state Secretariat."

Reacting, the head of Service, Dr Anigbo urged civil servants to be focused, resilient and passionate on their duties, which he said is a formulation of government policies and its implementation, in order to deliver the goods to the government and people of Enugu State.

"I will enjoin workers to continue to be passionate and dedicated to their duties bearing in mind that their inputs in terms of service delivery and level of productivity keep government functions and programmes running," he said.

On the issue of transport cost, Anigbo said that the CNG buses rolled out by the state government remained reasonable clean energy and far cheaper in fare charge compared to the usual commercial buses.

"The state government is rolling out additional 100 CNG buses and taxi cabs very soon. The state government has concluded plans to ensure workers welfare remain paramount with the initial N80,000 minimum wage being paid monthly. Workers interest will be duly captured as the state government rolls out more CNG buses in due time," he said.

In a visit at the Federal Secretariat, Enugu, it was observed that some offices were opened with staff for the official business of the day.

Mr Chimezie Nweke, a civil servant who simply identified himself as working under Federal Ministry of Health, said that it was worthwhile to resume work and attend to some un official businesses before the holidays.

Another civil servant, Miss Chinelo Ugwu, who is with the Federal Fire Service, said though she was on standby duty during the holidays, it was gratifying to see the Federal Secretariat come alive again.

A service provider, Mr Olu shola, who provides car wash services at the Federal Secretariat, said that business had picked, unlike during the holidays he said

it was "so dull here".