The Oyo State Government has announced the approval of a new minimum wage of ₦80,000 for state employees.
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade confirmed the development in a statement released on November 6, 2024.
According to the statement, Makinde sanctioned the wage increase following recommendations from a technical committee, which includes representatives from both the government and labor sectors.
The implementation of the new salary structure will commence after the committee completes the necessary consequential adjustments.
“Governor Makinde has consistently prioritized the welfare of workers since he assumed office,” Oyelade said.
“The payment of the ₦80,000 minimum wage further underscores our administration’s commitment to enhancing the living standards of our workforce.”
Oyelade also highlighted a recent recognition from the National Bureau of Statistics, which rated Oyo State as the most worker-friendly state in Southern Nigeria.
“This recognition came after NBS recorded a significant drop in unemployment rates in Oyo State,” he explained. “Governor Makinde’s initiatives have been pivotal in boosting employment across various sectors.”
The commissioner emphasized the state’s consistent salary payment practices, noting that workers have received their wages on the 25th of every month since 2019.
He also pointed out that Governor Makinde began paying the previous ₦30,000 minimum wage promptly after taking office. Additionally, Oyo State has upheld a tradition of paying the 13th-month salary to both active workers and retirees.
The governor’s dedication to supporting pensioners was also highlighted. “Since November 2023, the administration has been awarding ₦25,000 to workers and ₦15,000 to pensioners as a welfare bonus to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government,” Oyelade stated. “This welfare wage award has been consistently paid for over a year.”
Oyelade also addressed the progress made in clearing outstanding pension liabilities. “Governor Makinde has cleared gratuity arrears for pensioners dating back from 2008 to 2015,” he noted.
“The administration has also increased gratuity payments for retirees under both the Local Government Staff Pensions Board and the Ministry of Establishment and Training.”
Furthermore, the commissioner mentioned steps taken to reintegrate pensioners who had been removed from the state payroll under the previous administration.
“The governor has reinstated these pensioners and continues to show appreciation for their contributions with annual Christmas and New Year bonuses in the form of chicken gifts,” Oyelade added.
The announcement reflects Oyo State’s efforts to maintain its reputation as a worker-friendly government and strengthen ties with its workforce.
