Oyo State’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, announced that from January 1, 2025, the state will pay a minimum wage of N80,000, leading to a monthly wage bill of N11.9 billion, up from the current N6.4 billion.
Oyelade made this statement when receiving the Oyo State chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Kayode Martins, on Tuesday. He emphasized Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare without neglecting the needs of the general public and key sectors.
The salary increase represents an 86% boost, taking Oyo’s annual wage bill to over N143 billion. Oyelade highlighted that Makinde’s administration has done more for workers than any previous government, citing the governor’s proactive step in ensuring workers’ four-year promotions to prevent past issues.
Martins praised the N80,000 minimum wage, calling it one of the most favorable in the country. He referred to Makinde as “the workers’ governor” for his consistent support, noting that Oyo was the first state to implement the N30,000 minimum wage and began negotiating new wages even before the federal government.
He compared Oyo’s adjustments to those of other states, pointing out that Oyo’s new wage scale significantly benefits workers at all levels. Workers on Grade Levels 1 to 6 will see a N50,000 increase, while those on Grade Level 7 and above will receive N70,000 to over N180,000 in adjustments. For example, a worker on Grade Level 17 will see their salary jump from N170,000 to N360,000.
Martins emphasized that no other state in Nigeria has made such significant salary increases and praised the state’s consistent payment of salaries by the 25th of each month, which boosts worker morale and supports the economy.
He also highlighted Oyo’s exemption from the December 2 national labor strike, reflecting the positive relationship between Makinde and the labor unions.
