President surprised at inability of states to pay salaries

Garba Shehu said Buhari is even more concerned about the difficulties the workers and their families are facing as a result of the non-payment of

 s

alaries.

President Buhari has expressed shock at the inability of some states to pay the salaries of their workers.

Despite the bailout funds given to states, about 24 of them are still finding it hard to pay their workers.

The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu said Buhari is even more concerned about the difficulties the workers and their families are facing as a result of the non-payment of salaries.

The Nation reports that the President said “The government will strive to make more funds available to the states by expediting action on refunds due to them for the maintenance of federal roads and other expenses incurred on behalf of the Federal Government.”

Mr. President also said he will set up a committee that will look into the Fiscal Restructuring Plan proposed by the Governors, and make recommendations on its implementation.

Buhari also reminded the Governors that the Federal Government also had financial obligations to meet.

He said “You all know the problems we have found ourselves in. You have to bear with us.”

This is coming on the heels of the President’s meeting with theNigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

The Governors reportedly asked Buhari to share the funds in theExcess Crude Account (ECA) among the 36 states.