The Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde has paid out ₦12 billion to state workers, according to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade in a statement released on Saturday.
This payment is in fulfillment of the administration’s promise to implement the new ₦80,000 minimum wage for workers which took effect from January 1, 2025.
According to Oyelade, the new wage structure has seen huge salary increases across all grade levels. Workers on Grade Levels 1 to 6 get minimum of ₦50,000 increment while those on Grade Level 17 get over ₦180,000.
Besides these, the government also wants to improve the living conditions of pensioners in the state.
Oyelade said retirees will get minimum of ₦25,000 and 33% pension increase for over 40,000 pensioners. This is to improve the life of senior citizens who have served the state for years.
Besides financial upgrades, the government has also abolished the ₦4,000 retirement form fee. This is to reduce the financial burden on employees nearing retirement. By doing this, about ₦20 million will be released to 4,500 soon to be retirees and will go a long way in easing the transition to retirement.
The Makinde administration has been commended for placing premium on workers’ welfare and ensuring that both active workers and pensioners benefit from the state’s resources.
The recent wage and pension increases is a step towards addressing economic challenges and improving the living standard of Oyo State workers.
With this, the state government is consolidating its reputation for responsive leadership and people oriented governance.
The good ripples of these policies will boost morale and economic activities in the state and will further actualize the governor’s vision of shared prosperity.