Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called on all striking workers in the state to resume their designated duty posts on Monday (tomorrow).
This was formally announced by the governor in a state-wide broadcast on Saturday.
In his address during a broadcast monitored by The Eastern Updates, Makinde affirmed that his government’s immediate focus lies in alleviating economic difficulties for residents through targeted initiatives in food security, transportation, and various sectors.
Since Monday, workers and pensioners in the state have been staging protests to address their welfare-related concerns.
Among the workers’ requests are the following: payment of salary deductions, provision of palliatives for workers, an increase in pension allowances, payment of leave bonuses, settlement of gratuities for retirees stagnant since 2021, and the issuance of promotion letters for the years 2021 and 2022.
Furthermore, the governor announced that his government will settle the two months’ deductions owed to the workers alongside their August salary. Also, the government will explore further options for dialogue to address the workers’ concerns.
Read also: Ondo 2020: Seyi Makinde Heads PDP Campaign Council
The governor urged the union leaders to reinitiate talks at the negotiating table, focusing on potential salary raises and the potential harmonisation of pension payments.
In addition to the cooperatives deduction payment, set to be incorporated into the August salaries, Makinde made known that the government will expand the fleet of buses available for civil servants’ daily transportation needs from 9 to 12.
The governor also made it known that his administration will bear the cost of the health insurance premium for all pensioners participating in the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) scheme, and any pensioner who made prior payments will be reimbursed accordingly.
‘I am addressing you today to share our short-term plans, which will play a huge role in alleviating the effects of the removal of fuel subsidies and the resultant economic difficulties being faced by our people. You will recall that on June 9, 2023, following the removal of the fuel subsidy, we announced measures to be taken to cushion the effect of the removal.’
‘We have paid all civil servants’ salaries and pensions on or before the 25th of every month without fail. And since January 2020, we have paid the minimum wage and consequential adjustments to all cadres of civil servants every month without fail.’
‘Presently, the civil servants’ wage bill stands at N7.2 billion monthly. We have continued to pay this despite having a state revenue of just below N10 billion monthly. It is, therefore, clear to understand why any increase in salaries or pensions may not be possible at this time,’ he said.