The Oyo State Government has announced a significant increase in workers’ salaries, with the new minimum wage set to rise to N80,000 from January 1, 2025. This move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to prioritize the welfare of its workers, with the state set to pay a total of N11.9 billion monthly on salaries, up from the current N6.4 billion.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, during a meeting with the State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Kayode Martins, on Tuesday. Oyelade emphasized that Governor Seyi Makinde is committed to enhancing the living standards of workers without compromising the welfare of the general public or essential sectors.
“This increase represents an 86% rise in the state’s monthly salary expenditure, bringing the annual total to over N143 billion,” Oyelade stated. He highlighted that the increment surpasses expectations and reflects Makinde’s determination to invest in the well-being of Oyo State’s workforce, noting that the governor’s administration has done more than any other in terms of workers’ welfare.
The increase includes a broad salary boost across all grade levels, with the minimum wage for employees on Grade Levels 1 to 6 rising by N50,000, from N30,000 to N80,000. Workers on Grade Levels 7 and above will see even higher increases, with some receiving as much as N180,000 more per month. For instance, a worker on Grade Level 17, earning N170,000, will now earn N360,000 monthly, a substantial boost to their earnings.
In his response, Martins praised the Oyo State government for its favorable wage policy, describing Governor Makinde as a “workers’ governor.” He noted that Oyo was the first state to implement the N30,000 minimum wage and began negotiating the new N70,000 wage before the federal government had even approved it. Comparing Oyo’s adjustments to other states, Martins pointed out that no other state had gone as far as Oyo in providing generous increases for workers.
The NLC chairman also emphasized the importance of timely salary payments, which are made on the 25th of each month, boosting worker morale and positively impacting the state’s economy. Martins further credited Makinde’s administration for maintaining a strong, cooperative relationship with labor unions, particularly noting that Oyo State was exempted from the December 2, 2024, industrial action by national unions due to the state’s fair treatment of workers.
With the increase in wages and ongoing recruitment of 23,000 new workers, Oyo State is setting a benchmark for worker welfare in Nigeria, ensuring that employees are well-compensated for their contributions to the state’s growth.
