By Adeyinka Adeniran
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state on Thursday expressed concern on the challenges being faced by workforce across the country, particularly in the private sector
He decried what he described as the exploitation, underemployment by some members of the Organized Private Sector, attributing it to a decline in productivity.
He spoke through his Deputy, Bayo Lawal at the 2025 Workers Day rally at the Main bowl of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
According to the governor, the payment of unjust wages has made it difficult for workers to achieve financial stability or economic development, noting that the situation has made the affected workers feel marginalized and powerless.
Makinde said, “Many of them toil under harsh and unsafe conditions, dedicating countless hours to their jobs with compensation that fails to reflect their efforts, especially at the private sector.
“Unfortunately, these situations lead to apathy and withdrawal from civic participation. These realities push some of the labour leaders into continuously advocating for fairness, dignity, and respect in all workplaces. Coincidentally, in Oyo State, there is freedom of expression.”
The governor added that his administration has prioritize the welfare and the wellbeing of his workforce, noting their contribution to the economic growth of the state.
He said, the sensitivity of the government to the plights of the workers made the governor approves N80,000 minimum wage for workers in the state.
“As the largest employer of labour in the state, the Oyo State Government recognises its immense responsibility to ensure that every worker operates in a just, fair, and conducive environment.
“Since the assumption of office in 2019, this administration has remained steadfast in its commitment to uplifting the workforce, transforming a previously toxic workplace culture into one that is productive, inclusive, and welcoming.
“In 2020, funds were released to all MDAs for office renovations, ensuring that workers enjoy decent and well-equipped workplaces that foster productivity and efficiency.
“This government took decisive steps to prioritise worker compensation, ensuring that salaries are paid promptly at most on the 25th of every month, a commitment that remains unbroken to this day.
“This government also understands the importance of career progression and is committed to eliminating promotion backlogs within the Civil/Public Service. Despite competing financial demands, we have ensured that every eligible officer has received their due promotion up to 2024.
“Oyo state remains committed to rewarding diligence and service, the reason why workers have consistently received 13th-month salaries since 2019.
“Even during economic downturns, when financial constraints weighed heavily on the country, this administration stood by its workforce, offering N25,000 palliative support to all workers while retirees received N15, 000 monthly, ensuring their welfare was not overlooked.
“Oyo State courageously adopted a minimum salary of N80,000, surpassing the N77,500 threshold set by the federal government. This strategic decision was made to uplift our workers, improve their standard of living, and ensure fair compensation for their invaluable contributions to the state”, he noted.
Aside the payment of approved minimum wage, Makinde said his administration has facilitated the training and re-training of over 10,000 state workforce locally and internationally.
Earlier, in his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Kayode Martins commended the governor for the approval of the N80,000 minimum wage and its monthly prompt payment.
He, however, appealed to the governor for upward review of monthly subvention to the MDAs and the state owned tertiary institutions.
Also speaking, his Counterpart at the Trade Union Congress, Bosun Olabiyi assures that the labour movement will not relent in her advocacy to restore civility and work assiduously towards returning the country to a place where everyone will have a voice and the voice of everyone will be heard.
“As agents of social justice and propagators of fairness, through various channels of activism, we are condemned to making sure that workers and by extentions, Nigerians have their rights protected through community organizing, public awareness, collaboration with NGO and other stakeholders”, he added.
Highpoint of the event was a March pass and offering of salute by various affiliates and unions under the labour movement.
