A wave of celebration swept through Oyo State yesterday as the Seyi Makinde led pgovernment disbursed a monumental ₦12 billion to its workers, marking the largest monthly salary and wage payout in the entire Southwest region of Nigeria.
The payment, which is in fulfillment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s promise to implement a new ₦80,000 minimum wage effective January 1, 2025, has positioned Oyo State as a leader in labor welfare.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that despite Lagos State’s ₦85,000 minimum wage, Oyo boasts a larger workforce of over 130,000 employees.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the ₦12 billion payout represents a significant commitment to improving workers’ welfare.
Under the new wage structure, workers on Grade Levels 1 to 6 have seen a minimum salary increase of ₦50,000, while those on Grade Level 17 now earn over ₦180,000 more.
“The Makinde-led administration has once again demonstrated its dedication to the well-being of workers and retirees,” Oyelade stated.
The state government also extended its benevolence to pensioners, approving a minimum pension of ₦25,000 and a 33% increment for over 40,000 retirees, effective immediately.
Oyelade said the move reinforces the administration’s commitment to ensuring no demographic is left behind in its comprehensive welfare agenda.
Also, the government has abolished the ₦4,000 fee previously charged for retirement forms, providing financial relief to approximately 4,500 workers nearing retirement.
The Commissioner stated that this decision will return nearly ₦20 million to the pockets of those preparing to transition out of active service.
He noted that to all the civil servants, the implementation of the ₦80,000 minimum wage signals a new era of prosperity.