In a move that has brought immense relief and joy to civil servants in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde has fulfilled his promise by ensuring the payment of the much-anticipated 13th-month salary.
The notification of the payment lit up workers’ phones on the evening of Monday, December 30, sparking widespread celebration.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, emphasized the state government’s unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare, despite the significant financial burden.
“This payment comes in spite of the ₦77 billion spent annually by the government on salaries and wages for Oyo State workers,” Oyelade remarked.
Oyelade also highlighted other recent improvements in workers’ benefits, including the approval of an ₦80,000 minimum wage for government employees just two weeks ago.
This followed the resolution of the consequential adjustment by the negotiating council, ensuring a fair wage structure for the workforce.
Looking ahead, Oyelade revealed that starting January 1, 2025, Oyo State will allocate a substantial ₦143 billion annually for salaries and wages.
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This marks an impressive 86% increase in the state’s budget for employee compensation, making Oyo State one of the top three states in the country with the most generous worker compensation packages.
With a workforce that holds the largest number of government employees in the South West region, the state is setting a benchmark for worker welfare.
Oyelade pointed out that this policy reflects Governor Makinde’s continued commitment to his administration’s promise, first made during the 2023 Christmas Carol Service in Ibadan, where the governor assured workers that the 13th-month salary would be honored.
Governor Makinde had pledged, “Consistent with our practice since 2019, I want to assure the civil servants in Oyo State that, once again, we will be delivering on our promise.”
