Why we can’t pay workers’ salaries in Osun – Aregbesola

Govenor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has explained why workers’ salaries in the state have been delayed for months.

Aregbesola said, though he was feeling the plight of civil servants in the state, the current financial status in the state had made it difficult for him to pay.

A statement issued in Osogbo on Thursday through his media aide, Semiu Okanlawon, quoted Aregbesola as making this remark when the Area Comptroller, Oyo and Osun Command of the Nigerian Customs Services , Mr. Muhammed Bawa, paid him a courtesy visit.

The governor also denied squandering the state’s fund recklessly.

According to the statement, “This administration remains very sensitive to the welfare of Osun workers. The financial situation of the state that has made it unable for the state government to pay workers’ salary is disheartening and painful.

“However, no one can establish a single instance of recklessness on the part of this government.”

Aregbesola also described an efficient and effective Customs Service as a veritable tool for improving the economy of the nation.

According to him, a sure way for the country to protect and expand its economy is by ensuring that local industries are protected adequately by the country’s Customs Service.

He said, “Nigeria at this time needs an effective and efficient Customs to improve and expand the economy of the country.

“Customs must screen products from foreign countries to ensure that they do not affect the produce and production of our indigenous companies. Doing this will give room for industrialisation”.

Speaking earlier, the Area Comptroller of Customs, Oyo and Osun Command, Mr. Muhammed, said his Command came to Osun State to meet with auto-dealers to educate them on how to legally run their business.