From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has paid the 13th-month salary to workers in the state, adding cheer to the festive season.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the payment was made on December 30. Oyelade emphasised that this gesture comes despite the government’s annual expenditure of N77 billion on salaries and wages for workers in the state.
The commissioner also revealed that just two weeks ago, Governor Makinde approved an N80,000 minimum wage for state workers following the successful resolution of consequential adjustments by the negotiating council.
With the implementation of the new minimum wage starting January 1, 2025, the government’s annual salary and wage bill will rise to N143 billion, representing an 86% increase.
“This positions Oyo State as one of the top three states in the country offering the highest workers’ welfare packages,” Oyelade said.
He added that Oyo State has the highest population of government workers in the South-West region, underscoring the significance of these reforms for the state’s workforce.