The Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has approved the renewal of the wage award for civil servants for another three months and the continuation of the transport subsidy in the state.
Makinde said the measures were aimed at cushioning the effects of the recent increase in pump price and easing the economic hardship faced by residents.
“I want to assure you today that the wage award will be renewed for another three months. We will also continue with the transport subsidy. I want to thank our workers for their efforts, dedication and support,” he said.
Makinde made the declaration on Friday when the Acting Governor, Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, alongside other top government officials, labour leaders and civil servants, welcomed him back to office after his annual leave.
The Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, disclosed this in a statement released on Friday and made available to newsmen in Ibadan.
Makinde called for a meeting between labour leaders and the state government, noting that his administration was aware of the economic challenges confronting residents due to certain Federal Government policies.
He added that his government would continue to take necessary steps to address the situation.
Makinde explained that the state’s wage bill had risen sharply from N4.5bn in 2019 to N18bn monthly, noting that the minimum wage had also risen from N18,000 in 2019 to N80,000.
The governor commended Acting Governor Lawal for effectively steering the affairs of the state during his absence, noting that governance continued seamlessly.
He also urged President Bola Tinubu to follow constitutional provisions by handing over to the Vice-President whenever he is on leave, just as he, Makinde, had consistently done.
“It is not every time you have an ally who is dependable. I told His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, to handle all issues while I was on leave. I said if there were mistakes, we would correct them when I returned.
“The opposition said I went on leave and handed over to the Deputy Governor. Yes, I did. I am running to be President of Nigeria because I have the capacity. But the President went on leave and did not hand over, thereby trampling on the Constitution. Why is he afraid of handing over to the Vice-President?
“We have shown in Oyo State that governance does not stop when the head is away. Teamwork ensured effective response to challenges. I am happy to report that I am not disappointed,” he said.
Makinde also thanked civil servants for the cooperation extended to the Acting Governor, noting that the state was at a critical moment.