The Special Adviser on Media and Chief Press Press Secretary to Oyo State Governor, Pastor Sulaimon Olanrewaju has stated that the payment of the newly approved ₦70,000 (seventy thousand naira) minimum wage by President Bola Tinubu would not poise too much of a challenge to Oyo state government.
This, he said was due to the fact that workers in Oyo state have been receiving ₦30,000 minimum wage and ₦25,000 wage award totally#55,000 every month since October of 2023 uninterruptedly.
This disclosure comes amidst discussions on the feasibility of the proposed ₦70,000 minimum wage for civil servants in Nigeria following the agreement reached between the federal government and labor in the country.
According to the governor’s spokesman, the current total sum of ₦55,000 monthly wage being paid to workers in Oyo state has been in effect since October, 2023 without any outstanding and that the newly approved increment of ₦70,000 is considered feasible.
Olanrewaju emphasized that Governor Makinde remains committed to improving the welfare of workers in the state, despite economic challenges noting that ongoing consultations and evaluations are being conducted to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the revised minimum wage.
Confirming the statement to Westernmirror.com.ng on Saturday when contacted via phone call, the governor’s spokesman clarified that the state government is however, exploring various mechanisms to ensure that the new minimum wage does not place undue strain on the state’s finances.
This includes evaluating revenue generation strategies and exploring cost-saving measures where possible.
Pastor Sulaimon Olanrewaju had earlier on Friday, July 19, confirmed to The Nation that the new development would not poise too much threat on the state’s finances.
It would be recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde had during the 2024 Workers Day celebration, pledged to pay whatever would be agreed upon as the new minimum wage.
Olanrewaju was quoted as telling The Nation that: “At the event marking Workers’ Day on May 1, 2024, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, promised to pay whatever the national minimum wage is.
“That promise stands. So, Oyo will pay the new minimum wage.
“The current minimum wage in Oyo is N30,000 but since October 2023 the state has been paying N25,000 wage award.
“This means the state has been paying N55,000 minimum wage since October last year without owing a single month. Transiting from N55,000 to N70,000 will not be too herculean.”
In response to concerns raised by various stakeholders, including labor unions and financial analysts, the spokesman reiterated Governor Makinde’s assurance that the welfare of workers remains a top priority.