Nigeria, Dec. 2 -- Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has approved the payment of a '13th-month' salary for workers in the state civil service.

Mr Eno directed the accountant general to ensure the payment is made on or before 20 December so that workers can celebrate Christmas "with ease."

The directive is contained in a statement posted on Facebook by the governor's spokesperson, Ekerete Udoh.

To further cushion December expenses, Mr Udoh quoted the governor as saying that Christmas rice would be distributed across villages in the state, with additional support during the annual homegoing festivities.

"To make the Christmas celebration grand, the governor ordered the Accountant General to pay the 13th month salary, popularly known a...