Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved a new minimum wage of N80,000 for the state workers.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Oyo has commended this step as a progressive stride toward improving workers’ well-being and boosting morale across the state workforce.
The announcement, confirmed by Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, revealed that the decision was made following recommendations from a government-appointed technical committee. This collaborative approach highlights Makinde’s emphasis on inclusive governance and worker engagement, traits that NLC Oyo Chairman Kayode Martins praised as essential to the governor’s leadership style.
“The governor has once again proven himself as a listening leader and a true trailblazer,” Martins stated in Ibadan. “This is the first time state workers will be earning more than their counterparts at the federal level.”
The approval has not only elevated the economic status of state workers but also infused a sense of pride and increased commitment among employees, Martins noted.
According to him, the new wage serves as a morale booster, with workers ready to reciprocate by increasing productivity and contributing to the state’s growth.
The NLC chairman also urged the state’s negotiation team to consider fair consequential adjustments across various levels of the workforce.
“We hope the government’s negotiation team will reflect similar generosity in ensuring that all employees benefit from the governor’s milk of human kindness,” he added.
Acknowledging the patience and unity displayed by workers during the negotiation period, Martins commended their resilience and commitment. The successful minimum wage increase, he said, was the outcome of workers’ steadfastness and the government’s openness to dialogue.
The NLC has pledged continued support to the Makinde administration, reaffirming its commitment to fostering initiatives that benefit Oyo workers.
With the implementation of the N80,000 minimum wage, Makinde has not only strengthened his ties with the workforce but also set a benchmark for other states aiming to enhance the welfare of their workers.
The Oyo NLC’s endorsement of the new wage structure reflects widespread optimism about the future of labor relations in the state, with the union and the government expected to maintain their collaborative efforts for sustainable worker welfare and productivity.