.){kind=link}
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has appealed to workers in the state to return to their respective duty posts on Monday (tomorrow).
The governor made this declaration in a state-wide broadcast on Saturday.
Makinde while speaking at the broadcast maintained that food security, transportation and the sectors are among the immediate areas being targeted by his government in order to alleviate the economic difficulties facing residents of the state.
Our correspondent gathered that workers and pensioners in the state have been protesting over issues bothering on their welfare since Monday.
The workers were protesting over a number of requests.
Some of the requests by the workers include payment of salary deductions, palliatives for workers, upward review of pension allowances, payment of leave bonus, payment of gratuities to retirees who have been stagnated since the year 2021 and release of promotion letters for the year 2021 and 2022.
Makinde, while addressing the people of the state, directed the protesting workers to resume to their duty posts on Monday (tomorrow)
He added that as his government will pay the two months deductions owed the workers with their August salary, while it will also explore further options on dialogue.
He noted that the government remained open to parleying with labour to ensure that the rights of the workers of Oyo State are protected.
He encouraged the union leaders to return to the negotiating table to discuss any increases in salary or possible harmonisation of pension payments.
Makinde while speaking further announced that apart from the payment of the cooperatives deduction to be effected and paid with August salaries, the government will increase the number of buses made available for civil servants to commute to and from work from 9 to 12.
The governor while addressing the people of the state, stated that his government will pay the health insurance premium for all pensioners under the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) scheme, adding that any pensioner who already made payment will be refunded.
He explained further that his government will resume the monthly payment of gratuities to pensioners.
“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 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”