Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has announced the renewal of the wage award for civil servants for another three months and the continuation of the transport subsidy as his administration moves to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.
Makinde made the announcement on Friday while resuming duties after his annual leave.
He was received at the Governor’s Office by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, government officials, labour leaders and civil servants.
The governor said the welfare and interests of Oyo residents remained central to his administration, particularly amid economic pressures linked to recent increases in the pump price of petrol.
“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,” Makinde said.
He directed that Labour leaders and the state government meet to discuss the economic difficulties confronting workers and residents, saying his administration was aware of the effects of some Federal Government policies and would continue taking measures to mitigate their impact.
Makinde also highlighted the increase in the state’s wage bill since he assumed office, saying the monthly bill had risen from N4.5 billion in 2019 to N18 billion.
He added that the minimum wage had increased from N18,000 in 2019 to N80,000, reflecting the significant changes in personnel costs during the period.
Makinde defends handover to deputy
The governor commended Lawal for his handling of the state’s affairs while he was away, saying governance continued without disruption during the period.
He used the occasion to criticise President Bola Tinubu over what he described as the failure to follow constitutional provisions on handing over power to the Vice-President while the President is on leave.
Makinde said his decision to formally hand over to Lawal demonstrated that government could continue functioning effectively when the head of government was away, provided there was teamwork and trust among officials.
“It is not every time you have an ally who is dependable,” he said, adding that he had instructed the deputy governor to handle issues during his absence and that any mistakes could be corrected upon his return.
Makinde said Oyo State had demonstrated that “governance does not stop when the head is away”, adding that the experience had reinforced his confidence in the ability of the administration’s team to respond to challenges.
He also urged civil servants to recognise the importance of the forthcoming political transition, saying the outcome of the 2027 election would determine the direction of governance in 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.
Governor dismisses claim over €55m French loan
Makinde also rejected allegations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the €55 million French loan secured by the state was intended to finance his presidential campaign.
He described the allegation as baseless, insisting that the facility was specifically secured for healthcare development and the upgrading of health facilities across Oyo State.
According to him, the process began in 2020, while 35 per cent of the facility had already been converted to a grant.
He said the loan also attracted an interest rate of 0.0006 per cent from the French government.
Makinde recalled that the French Ambassador visited him in 2019 after he emerged governor-elect and informed him that €80 million had been earmarked for Africa, with €55 million proposed for Oyo State.
He said the Federal Government initially questioned the arrangement but that the French Government insisted that Oyo State should receive the facility.
“We have been on the matter since 2020, and approval came only five months ago,” Makinde said.
The governor also defended his administration’s record in the education sector while cautioning voters to examine the records and proposals of candidates seeking political office.
He questioned how a proposal to reduce class sizes to 30 pupils would affect teacher recruitment, personnel costs and infrastructure, noting that his administration had employed more teachers than previous administrations in the state.
“Governance is serious business; destinies of millions are involved,” he said.
Lawal, labour leaders commend governor
Earlier, Lawal thanked Makinde for what he described as placing Oyo State on a positive trajectory that future administrations could build upon.
He also appreciated members of the executive and legislature, civil servants, workers and security agencies for their cooperation during his tenure as Acting Governor.
Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mohammed Fadeyi, welcomed Makinde back and commended Lawal for what he described as a “yeoman’s job” while serving as Acting Governor.
Fadeyi also expressed the readiness of the legislature to receive the state’s 2027 budget.
Head of Service, Adenike Fashina, commended Makinde for his commitment to workers’ welfare, particularly the prompt payment of salaries.
She disclosed that implementation of the 2025 promotion exercise was largely completed and requested approval for the commencement of the 2026 promotion exercise.
Labour leaders also praised the governor for his support for workers, describing his administration as having “reset Oyo State” and declaring that “it is now time to reset Nigeria.”
The event was attended by Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi; Deputy Chief of Staff, Kazeem Adeniyi; commissioners, permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, senior government officials and civil and public servants.
