From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The Oyo State government has fulfilled its promise of improved welfare for workers, paying N12 billion in January salaries and pensions.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, announced that the payment reflects Governor Seyi Makinde’s implementation of the N80,000 minimum wage for state workers, effective January 1, 2025.
According to Oyelade, workers on Grade Levels 1 to 6 now enjoy a minimum salary increase of N50,000, while those on Grade Level 17 have seen their salaries rise by over N180,000.
Pensioners were also included in the welfare package, with the approval of a minimum pension of N25,000 and a 33% increase for over 40,000 retirees. “This initiative takes effect immediately,” Oyelade said.
To further ease financial burdens, the state government has abolished the N4,000 fee for retirement forms. This measure will save approximately N20 million for about 4,500 workers preparing to retire.