Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced the renewal of the wage award for state civil servants for another three months and the continuation of the transport subsidy.
Makinde made the announcement on Friday while resuming office after his annual leave, during a reception organised by the Acting Governor, Bayo Lawal, alongside government officials, labour leaders and civil servants in Ibadan.
According to a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju the governor said the measures were part of his administration’s response to the economic hardship confronting residents following the recent increase in the pump price of petroleum products.
“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,” Makinde said, while thanking workers for their dedication and support.
He directed the state government and labour leaders to meet over the economic challenges affecting workers and residents, stressing that his administration would continue to take measures to cushion the impact.
Makinde disclosed that Oyo State’s monthly wage bill had increased from N4.5 billion in 2019 to N18 billion, while the minimum wage had risen from N18,000 in 2019 to N80,000.
The governor also commended Lawal for effectively running the affairs of the state during his absence, saying governance continued seamlessly throughout his leave.
Makinde used the occasion to criticise President Bola Tinubu over the failure to formally hand over power to the Vice-President while proceeding on leave, arguing that constitutional provisions should be followed.
He said his decision to hand over to Lawal demonstrated that governance could continue effectively when political leaders worked as a team.
‘Five months from now, Oyo will have a governor-elect’
The governor urged residents and civil servants to pay attention to the choices they would make in the forthcoming election, noting that the outcome would determine the future direction of the state.
“Five months from now, you will have a governor-elect. It won’t be about Makinde again. The decisions you take during the election will determine the direction and trajectory of governance in Oyo State,” he said.
Makinde also dismissed allegations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the €55 million French health loan secured by the state government would be diverted to fund his presidential ambition.
He said the facility was specifically intended to improve healthcare delivery and upgrade health facilities across Oyo State.
According to him, the loan process began in 2020, while 35 per cent of the facility had already been converted to a grant. He added that the French Government approved an interest rate of 0.0006 per cent for the facility.
Makinde said the funding followed discussions with the French Government after the French Ambassador visited him in 2019 when he was governor-elect.
He challenged those making allegations of diversion to provide evidence, insisting that the facility had been subjected to a lengthy approval process.
The governor further urged voters to scrutinise the records and experience of individuals seeking to govern the state.
He questioned the feasibility of a proposal by one of the governorship contenders to reduce class sizes to 30 pupils, asking how such a policy would affect teacher recruitment, salaries and infrastructure.
“Governance is serious business; destinies of millions are involved,” he said.
Earlier, Acting Governor Lawal thanked Makinde for providing what he described as a positive trajectory for Oyo State and appreciated members of the executive and legislature, workers and security agencies for their cooperation during his tenure.
Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi, welcomed Makinde back and commended Lawal for what he described as a “yeoman’s job.”
Fadeyi also expressed the legislature’s readiness to receive the 2027 Appropriation Bill.
The Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fashina, mni, commended Makinde for his commitment to workers’ welfare and prompt payment of salaries. She disclosed that the 2025 promotion exercise had been largely implemented and sought approval for the commencement of the 2026 promotion exercise.
Labour leaders at the event also commended the governor for his support for workers, describing his administration as having “reset Oyo State” and expressing a desire to extend the experience to the national level.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi; commissioners, permanent secretaries, local government chairmen and other government officials, as well as civil and public servants.
