Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced that his government will begin paying a new minimum wage of N70,000 once the issue of consequential salary adjustments is settled.
Speaking at the 2024 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the NUT (ENDWELL) Model College Sports Complex in Ibadan on Saturday, the governor also revealed that his administration would extend the current wage awards for workers and pensioners.
The N25,000 wage award for workers and the N15,000 wage award for pensioners will continue for three more months, covering the period of ongoing negotiations on salary adjustments.
Governor Makinde assured the public that, “Negotiations will start next week, and we will pay the N70,000 minimum wage. However, the consequential adjustment is currently under negotiation. The NLC and our team will engage in discussions.”
He also praised teachers in Oyo State for their unwavering support during the last election and their significant role in the state’s development.
The governor emphasized that the welfare of teachers and all civil servants remains a priority for his administration, aimed at ensuring their continued productivity.
The governor highlighted education as a key focus of his administration, promising to improve school infrastructure to provide a better learning environment.
He thanked teachers for their dedication, stating, “I want to express my gratitude to the teachers. Throughout my campaign, you mobilized and supported us wholeheartedly. Thank you.”
Governor Makinde acknowledged the difficult times facing Nigeria, particularly with issues like minimum wage and fuel prices, but encouraged resilience by saying, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. We will overcome these challenges.”
He stressed the importance of education for the future of Oyo State, noting, “Any country that aspires to develop must educate its people. In Oyo State, we will continue to prioritize our teachers, as they shape our future.”
The governor also highlighted the need for more investment in education. He explained that the state had spent about N15 billion on infrastructure over the last five years but estimated that an additional N70 billion is required to fully meet the state’s educational needs.
To address this, Governor Makinde announced plans for an annual education intervention fund of at least N10 billion, the recruitment of more teachers, and efforts to create a conducive learning environment for better student outcomes.
He also commissioned a block of 10 classrooms built by the Nigerian Union of Teachers at the NUT Model School and reaffirmed his commitment to improving local infrastructure, particularly roads within the Owode Housing Estate.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Raji Ismail, thanked the governor for his accomplishments in the education sector, particularly for career progression, regular salary payments, promotions, and healthcare insurance for teachers.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Oyo State, Comrade Kayode Martins, assured that the governor remains committed to implementing the minimum wage as expected.