Nigerian gov approves N80,000 minimum wage for workers

In a groundbreaking move aimed at supporting the state workforce, the Oyo State Government has approved a new minimum wage of ₦80,000 for its employees.

This decision highlights Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to improving the welfare of public servants in the state, reinforcing Oyo’s position as a leading, worker-friendly state in Nigeria.

The announcement was made by Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, who explained that a Technical Committee had carefully reviewed and recommended the new salary scale.

Governor Makinde promptly approved the proposal, and the implementation is set to begin once the committee finalizes the necessary adjustments alongside representatives from labor and government.

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This decision builds on the foundation of Makinde’s administration, which has prioritized prompt salary payments since he took office in 2019. Notably, Oyo State has been consistent in paying workers’ salaries on the 25th of every month.

Under Makinde’s leadership, Oyo was also one of the earliest adopters of the previous ₦30,000 minimum wage, providing workers with stability and assurance in their financial planning.

Oyelade highlighted that Oyo’s workforce-friendly policies recently earned recognition from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

In its 2024 employment report, the NBS rated Oyo as the most worker-friendly state in Southern Nigeria, citing a significant drop in the state’s unemployment rate due to large-scale job opportunities introduced across various sectors.

The Commissioner further emphasized that the administration has not only been consistent with salary payments but has also ensured the timely disbursement of pensions, gratuities, and even a 13th-month bonus for both workers and retirees.