Governor Converts May Salary to Loan, Orders Immediate June Payment
- Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has approved the conversion of civil servants’ May 2025 salary into a soft loan, repayable over three months, to ease post-Eid financial hardship
- The move aims to support workers grappling with expenses incurred during the Sallah festivities
- Additionally, the governor ordered the immediate payment of June salaries for all state and local government employees, including pensioners
In a bid to cushion the financial aftermath of Eid-el-Adha, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has approved the conversion of the advanced May 2025 salary into a soft loan, repayable in three monthly instalments.
According to a statement released on Friday by the governor’s Press Secretary, Abubakar Bawa, the measure was designed to alleviate post-festive financial pressure commonly experienced by civil servants.
Source: Facebook
Governor Aliyu explained that the initiative stemmed from his administration’s awareness of the economic burden civil servants often face during major religious celebrations.
“I am aware that many of our workers are still facing financial challenges due to the expenses incurred during the Sallah festivities,” he said. “This measure is intended to support them by easing immediate financial strain, allowing for repayment in three convenient monthly deductions.”
He expressed optimism that the move would significantly improve the welfare of civil servants and their dependents.
Immediate June salary payment ordered
Further underscoring his administration’s support for the public workforce, Governor Aliyu directed the immediate disbursement of June 2025 salaries to all state and local government employees, including staff of the Local Government Education Authorities and pensioners.
The payments are slated to begin from Monday, June 30.
Aliyu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to revitalising the civil service and enhancing service delivery.
He called on workers to respond in kind by demonstrating greater dedication, punctuality, and discipline in their duties.
The governor also extended appreciation to the people of Sokoto for their unwavering support, pledging to continue delivering tangible dividends of democracy.
Speaking with Legit.ng, AbdulRasheed Hussaini, a public expert based in Nigeria, reacted to the governor’s gesture:
“It appeared to be well-intentioned but on a closer look, turning a salary into a loan, even if interest-free, raises concerns about transparency and consent. Workers may not have anticipated this shift when they received their May pay, and such decisions, if not clearly communicated in advance, can erode trust in government payroll practices. It also sets a precedent that could complicate future salary disbursements, especially if workers begin to question the stability.”
Sokoto governor gifts ₦450,000 to each pilgrim
Legit.ng earlier reported that Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has extended a generous gesture to mark the Eid-al-Adha festivities by offering financial support to the state’s pilgrims currently performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Each of the 3,200 pilgrims from Sokoto will receive 1,000 Saudi Riyals, roughly ₦450,000, as a token of support from the state government.
The announcement came during the governor’s visit to the pilgrims in Mina on Saturday. Addressing the faithful, Governor Aliyu congratulated them on completing their religious rites and noted that the financial assistance was to ease their stay and preparations ahead of their return to Nigeria.
Source: Legit.ng
