The Oyo State Government has approved a new minimum wage of ₦80,000 for workers in the state. This decision, announced by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, followed a recommendation by the Technical Committee set up by the government. Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval of the new salary scale is expected to take effect once the necessary adjustments are completed by a joint committee of government and labor officials.
According to Oyelade, Oyo State’s labor-friendly policies have earned it recognition as the most worker-friendly state in Southern Nigeria. This comes on the back of a significant reduction in unemployment rates, as highlighted by the National Bureau of Statistics in its latest 2024 employment report. The state has made notable efforts in hiring workers across various sectors, contributing to its positive ranking.
Since assuming office, Governor Makinde has consistently paid the former ₦30,000 minimum wage and ensured the prompt payment of pensions, gratuities, and a 13th-month salary to both workers and pensioners. Additionally, the state government has maintained regular salary payments on the 25th of each month since 2019, reflecting its commitment to workers’ welfare.
Oyelade also emphasized that since November 2023, Governor Makinde has introduced a welfare wage award of ₦25,000 for workers and ₦15,000 for pensioners to alleviate the effects of the Federal Government’s fuel subsidy removal. This welfare award has been consistently paid for over a year and continues to provide relief to state employees and pensioners.