Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has restored the state’s wage award for civil servants for another three months and reinstated the transport subsidy as part of measures to cushion the impact of higher fuel prices.
Makinde announced the decision after returning from annual leave and being received by Acting Governor Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, senior officials, labour leaders and civil servants.
The governor said workers’ welfare would remain a priority of his administration.
He disclosed that Oyo’s monthly wage bill had risen from about N4.5 billion in 2019 to roughly N18 billion, while the minimum wage had increased from N18,000 to N80,000 over the same period.
Makinde called for further engagement between labour leaders and the state government over the economic pressures facing workers.
He also commended the Acting Governor for managing state affairs during his absence.
Makinde used the occasion to argue that constitutional procedures should be followed when heads of government travel on leave, citing his own decision to hand over executive functions to his deputy.
His comments about the President’s leave arrangements were political criticism and reflect Makinde’s position.
The governor also rejected allegations by the All Progressives Congress that a €55 million French-backed loan for Oyo State’s health sector would be diverted to his presidential campaign.
Makinde said the facility was strictly intended for healthcare infrastructure and claimed 35 per cent of it had already been converted to a grant.
He said the loan process began in 2020 and had only recently received final approval.
The governor also criticised campaign promises by political rivals that he considered unrealistic and urged voters to assess candidates based on their records.
Labour representatives at the event thanked the administration for continuing welfare interventions.
The restored wage award and transport subsidy are intended to provide short-term relief while workers face higher living and commuting costs.
