Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has announced the renewal of the wage award for civil servants for another three months, while also confirming the continuation of the state’s transport subsidy scheme.
Makinde made the announcement on Friday while resuming official duties after his annual leave. He was welcomed by the Acting Governor, Barrister Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, top government officials, labour leaders, civil servants and other stakeholders at an event in Ibadan.
The governor said the measures were aimed at cushioning the effects of the economic hardship being experienced by residents, particularly following the recent increase in the pump price of petroleum products.
Makinde assured workers that the wage award would be renewed for another three months and that the transport subsidy would continue, while expressing appreciation to civil servants for their dedication, efforts and support to his administration.
He also called for a meeting between the state government and labour leaders to deliberate on the economic challenges confronting workers and residents, stressing that his administration was aware of the impact of certain Federal Government policies and would continue to take measures to address the situation.
The governor disclosed that Oyo State’s monthly wage bill had risen significantly from N4.5 billion in 2019 to N18 billion, while the minimum wage had increased from N18,000 in 2019 to N80,000.
Makinde commended the Acting Governor, Bayo Lawal, for effectively managing the affairs of the state during his absence, saying governance continued seamlessly throughout his annual leave.
He also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adhere to constitutional provisions concerning the transfer of power whenever he proceeds on leave, noting that he had consistently handed over responsibilities to his deputy whenever he was away.
Makinde said Oyo State had demonstrated that governance could continue effectively even when the head of government was absent, attributing the smooth running of the state during his leave to teamwork.
The governor further thanked civil servants for their cooperation with the Acting Governor and noted that the state was currently at a critical point.
He told the workers that the state would have a governor-elect in five months and said the decisions residents make during the forthcoming election would determine the future direction and trajectory of governance in Oyo State.
The governor also addressed allegations by the All Progressives Congress that the €55 million French loan secured by Oyo State was intended to finance his presidential campaign.
Makinde dismissed the allegation as baseless, maintaining that the facility was specifically secured for improving healthcare delivery and upgrading health facilities across the state.
According to him, the loan process commenced in 2020, while 35 per cent of the facility had already been converted to a grant. He further disclosed that the French Government granted an interest rate of 0.0006 per cent for the facility.
Makinde explained that the funding followed a visit by the French Ambassador in 2019, shortly after he emerged as governor-elect. He said the ambassador informed him that France had €80 million available for Africa and that Oyo State would receive €55 million.
He added that although the Federal Government questioned the arrangement, the French Government insisted that Oyo State should receive the facility, noting that the state had been pursuing the matter since 2020 and that approval was eventually secured about five months ago.
The governor also spoke about the records of individuals seeking to govern Oyo State, urging residents to examine their professional and political contributions.
He questioned a proposal by one of the governorship contenders to reduce class sizes to 30 pupils, asking how such a policy would affect teacher recruitment, wages and infrastructure.
Makinde stressed that governance involved the destinies of millions of people and should therefore be approached as a serious responsibility.
Earlier, Acting Governor Bayo Lawal thanked Makinde for what he described as placing Oyo State on a positive trajectory that future administrations could build upon. He also appreciated the legislature, executive, workers and security agencies for their cooperation throughout his period as Acting Governor.
The Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi, welcomed Governor Makinde back to office and commended Lawal for what he described as a “yeoman’s job.” He also expressed the readiness of the legislature to receive the 2027 budget.
The Head of Service, Dr. Mrs. Adenike Fashina, mni, commended the governor for his consistent commitment to workers’ welfare, particularly the prompt payment of salaries.
Fashina disclosed that the 2025 promotion exercise had been largely implemented and sought the governor’s approval for the commencement of the 2026 promotion exercise.
Labour leaders at the event also expressed appreciation to Makinde for his support for workers, with some describing his administration as having “reset Oyo State” and declaring that it was now time to “reset Nigeria.”
The event was attended by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, PhD; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi; commissioners; permanent secretaries; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; Chairman of the APM Apex Campaign Council, Dr. Nureni Adeniran; other top government functionaries; as well as civil and public servants.
The renewal of the wage award and continuation of the transport subsidy therefore form part of the state government’s current response to the economic pressure facing workers and residents, with Makinde reiterating that the welfare and interests of the people of Oyo State remain central to his administration.
