Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the renewal of the state’s wage award for civil servants for another three months, alongside the continuation of the transport subsidy.
Makinde announced the measures on Friday after returning from his annual leave, saying they were intended to cushion the impact of the recent increase in petrol prices and ease economic pressure on residents and workers.
“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.”
The governor made the announcement during a reception organised by government officials, labour leaders and civil servants to welcome him back to office. The statement was issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
Makinde also called for a meeting between the state government and labour leaders to discuss the economic challenges facing workers and residents.
He said Oyo State’s monthly wage bill had increased from ₦4.5 billion in 2019 to ₦18 billion, while the minimum wage had risen from ₦18,000 to ₦80,000 over the same period.
The governor commended Acting Governor Bayo Lawal for overseeing the state during his absence and said government activities continued without interruption.
Makinde also used the occasion to renew his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s handling of presidential leave, arguing that the President should hand over to the Vice-President when proceeding on leave.
He said his decision to transfer authority to his deputy while he was away demonstrated that governance could continue effectively when the head of government was absent.
“We have shown in Oyo State that governance does not stop when the head is away. Teamwork ensured effective response to challenges. I am happy to report that I am not disappointed.”
Makinde, who is positioning himself for the 2027 presidential election, also told those at the event that the next five months would lead to the emergence of a new governor-elect in Oyo 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 also responded to allegations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the state’s €55 million French healthcare financing facility could be diverted to support his presidential campaign.
Makinde rejected the allegation, saying the facility was intended for healthcare delivery and the upgrading of health facilities in Oyo State.
According to him, discussions around the facility began in 2020, while approval was eventually obtained about five months ago. He said 35 per cent of the facility had been converted to a grant and that the loan carried an interest rate of 0.0006 per cent, according to his account.
Makinde also referred to debates around education and teacher recruitment, questioning the feasibility of proposals to reduce class sizes to 30 pupils per classroom. He said his administration had recruited more teachers than previous administrations in the state.
The governor further thanked civil servants for their cooperation with the acting administration during his absence.
Earlier, Acting Governor Lawal thanked Makinde for the direction provided to the state administration and commended workers, security agencies and other arms of government for their cooperation.
The Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mohammed Fadeyi, also welcomed Makinde back and said the legislature was prepared to receive the 2027 budget.
The Head of Service, Adenike Fashina, commended the governor’s focus on workers’ welfare and said the 2025 promotion exercise had largely been implemented. She also requested approval for the commencement of the 2026 promotion exercise.
Labour leaders at the event thanked the governor for measures they said had supported workers during the period of economic pressure.
The renewed wage award and continued transport subsidy come amid broader concerns over the rising cost of petrol and its effect on transportation and household expenses. The Nigeria Labour Congress recently called for additional measures to cushion workers from the impact of rising fuel prices.
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