Governor Seyi Makinde Leads Workers’ Welfare With 86% Salary Increment In Oyo State
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has set a new standard in workers’ welfare with the announcement of an 86% salary increment for state workers, bringing the monthly wage bill to ₦11.9 billion, effective January 2025.
The announcement was made by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on Thursday following a meeting with the Oyo State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Kayode Martins.
According to Oyelade, the new wage structure introduces a ₦80,000 minimum wage to replace the previous ₦30,000 benchmark, making Oyo State a leader in civil service welfare in Nigeria. Governor Makinde was commended for his commitment to balancing the welfare of workers with the needs of the general populace and other critical sectors of the economy.
Praise for Governor Makinde’s Leadership
NLC Chairman, Comrade Kayode Martins, hailed Governor Makinde as a “Workers’ Governor” for his consistent dedication to improving the livelihoods of civil servants. He noted that Oyo State had set itself apart by implementing a more favorable wage structure than other states and even the Federal Government.
“Oyo was the first state to implement the old ₦30,000 minimum wage and began negotiations for the new wage even before the Federal Government approved the ₦70,000 minimum wage,” Martins stated.
Highlighting the increments, Martins explained:
•Workers on Grade Levels 1 to 6 will see their salaries jump from ₦30,000 to ₦80,000.
•Workers on Grade Level 7 and above will enjoy adjustments ranging from ₦70,000 to over ₦180,000, depending on their grade.
•A worker on Grade Level 17, previously earning ₦170,000, will now earn ₦360,000.
Martins noted that no other state in Nigeria has implemented such a robust and comprehensive pay structure.
Makinde’s Commitment to Workers’ Welfare
Prince Dotun Oyelade highlighted Governor Makinde’s proactive approach to addressing workers’ issues, including the resolution of a long-standing promotion crisis by announcing a four-year promotion for workers shortly after assuming office in 2019.
Oyelade also emphasized the governor’s track record of paying salaries promptly by the 25th of each month, which has significantly boosted workers’ morale and positively impacted the state’s economy.
The new wage structure will see Oyo State’s annual wage bill rise to ₦143 billion, reflecting an unprecedented commitment to civil service welfare.
Exemption from Industrial Actions
Comrade Martins commended the harmonious relationship between the state government and labour unions, which ensured that Oyo State workers were exempted from the nationwide industrial action on December 2, 2024. This, he said, underscores the governor’s understanding of workers’ needs and his dedication to meeting them.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s reforms continue to position Oyo State as a model for progressive governance, prioritizing the welfare of workers while fostering economic growth.
